This species is distinguished from most of the Diaphus fulgens species complex members, except D. rafinesquii (North Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea) and D. kuroshio (Kuroshio Zone in the North Pacific), by having a higher gill-raker count 24-28, almost always 25 or more (vs. 14–20). Similar to D. kuroshio in the disposition of photophores (VO5, SAO1, and SAO2 on the same line, AOa1 below level of SAO2, Prc4 its own diameter below lateral line), but differs to the latter by the large luminous scale at PLO, large

Dn, somewhat higher position of SAO3, otolith shape, and larger absolute size (at least 98 mm SL vs. about 70 mm). Otolith of Diaphus balanovi distinguished from the other species united in the Diaphus theta otolith group of Schwarzhans by the following characters: compressed shape with very weakly and uniformly convex outer face, rather steep and irregular predorsal rim, pronounced postdorsal angle, moderately long rostrum (18–19% of otolith length), and with 7-8 (usually eight) denticles along the ventral rim (Ref. 125672).