The two currently described species of Microcambeva have similar general morphology.[8]M. ribeirae has a maximum recorded length of 4.8 centimetres (1.9 in) SL.[8]M. ribeirae is distinguished from M. barbata by a series of morphological features, including the extent of the nasal barbels (to the nostril instead of the eye), the position of the eye (posterior half of head instead of on central portion), the first pectoral fin ray being shorter than the posterior ones (instead of the first ray being elongate and forming a prominent filament), the anal fin origin behind the vertical through the base of the last dorsal fin rays (instead of at this vertical), and others.[8]
Habitat
M. ribeirae has been found in clear, shallow streams (about 60 cm or 24 in deep) with a gray, sandy bottom in which the specimens were found entirely buried except for snout and barbels.[8]
^Mattos, JLO & SMQ Lima, 2010. Microcambeva draco, a new species from northeastern Brazil (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters 21: 233–238.