This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: complete cephalic sensory-canal pore system (pattern 1); dorsal/anal fin-ray formula of 8/8; branched pectoral-fin rays 3-5; no fifth pelvic-fin; first dorsal fin not filamentous; male urogenital papillae pear-shaped; dark occipital or nape markings none; two dark postanal spots above anal-fin base; upper pectoral-fin base yellow and with entire base peppered with melanophores; a dark internal mark on caudal peduncle over preural centrum centered on and above vertebral column; anal fin all black; first dorsal fin black, divided by a thin pale band 3/4 way out, and some reddish orange extending onto base from body (Ref. 124592).