Distinguished from all other species of Microglanis in having rounded spots on the flank. Differs also from its congeners, except M. robustus, by its emarginate caudal fin with upper lobe slightly longer than the lower and light spot in nuchal region very small or absent. Can be diagnosed from M. robustus by the following characters: anterior margin of pectoral-fin spine with single hook (vs. bifurcated hooks between antrorse and retrorse hooks); rays of pectoral fin I, 6 (vs. I, 5); anterior blotch of trunk U shaped (vs. inverted U shaped); dorsal and caudal fins with broad dark stripes (vs. thin); dorsal-fin spine length 6.9-11.1% SL (vs. 11.3-15.4% SL); pectoral-fin spine length 12.9-17.7% SL (vs. 16.4-20.6% SL); orbital diameter 11.5-12.6% SL (vs.14.7-16.4% SL); and mouth width 16.8-17.5% SL (vs. 11.4-13.2% SL) (Ref. 95500).

Description: Anal fin iii, 7 or iv, 5; pelvic fin i, 5 (Ref. 95500).