D1 III/22; D2 absent; P1 24; P2 5; A 17. Color of body color variable; usually brownish dorsally and posteriorly, often with spots, saddles, bars or other markings. Head broad in dorsal view and depressed, often with barbels and fleshy tentacles around jaws. Mouth large and terminal. Opercle and subopercle with spines. Gill opening small, restricted to sides of body. Pectoral fin large, broad based and rounded. Body with scales or naked; lateral line multiple.