This species is distinguished from other members of its species group by the following characters: 5-6 pored lateral-line scales (vs. 7-23), conical maxillary teeth (vs. maxillary teeth tri- or multicuspid); 5 infraorbitals (vs. 6 except in H. heterorhabdus and H. amaronensis with 5); mean body depth 29.65 % SL (vs. 35.71-42.12%; except in H. heterorhabdus with mean body depth 30.39 and H. diancistrus with 23.70); mean upper jaw length 18.94% SL (vs. 22.70-30.51%; except H. amaronensis with 15.66%); presence of a red band above the dark lateral band (vs. without band); males with hooks on all fins (vs. spines not on all fins) (Ref. 84248).