This species is a member of the L. breviceps species group given its relative small size, short snout length, bright coloration and relatively low number of scales (LL+C). It can be distinguished from its lowland close relatives (L. agilae, L. xiphidius, L. cladophorus, L. geayi, L. mahdiaensis) by having a deeper caudal peduncle, 14.1-17.3 % of SL (vs. 11.5-13.6 % of SL); from the remaining species in the group by having a rounded caudal fin (vs. spade-shaped in L. breviceps, L. gransabanae, L. torrenticola; lyre-shaped in L. lyricauda). The species' remarkable coloration of red blotches on a turquoise background on the flanks and in all unpaired fins in males (vs. absence of turquoise color and red blotches) is unique within the group (Ref. 92084).