Brevibora cheeya is distinguished from B. dorsiocellata by the complete lateral line (25-30 perforated scales vs. 4-9), more scales along the lateral row (29-32 vs. 25-27), larger size (up to 39.0 mm SL vs. 23.0 mm SL); and larger head and prepectoral length (head length 28.5-30.0% SL, vs. 24.4-27.9; prepectoral length 29.6-32.9% SL, vs. 25.8-28.8).

Body laterally compressed, rather elongated. Head short. Snout pointed. Mouth terminal, reaching vertical of anterior orbit. Dorsal-fi n origin at highest point of body outline. Predorsal contour almost straight, with a slight depression on snout. Ventral outline slightly curved from tip of snout to the middle of caudal peduncle. Barbel, keel and tubercles absent (Ref. 86526).