This species is distinguished from all other cichlids by having only two (vs. three or more) anal spines; differs from B. opercularis by lacking anguloarticular lateralis canal; 3 or 4 (vs. 5) skin openings and 2 or 3 (vs. 4) canal fragments representing the dentary lateralis canal; dorsal fin with slightly prolonged anterior spines and lappets; modal dorsal fin count VII.15 (vs. VIII.14); and 6 (vs. 5) dark spots along the middle of the side (Ref. 86446).