Large sized up to 34cm total length. Costal grooves range from 14-16. Color varies from brown, to gray to maroon. Robust build, somewhat laterally compressed. Head is wide and bluntly square. They have 3 pairs of pink bushy gills. This species is neotenic and paedomorphic. They retain juvenile qualities as adults and breed in this form. The tail is short and laterally compressed. This species never leaves the water.