Barathronus bicolor differs from the other five species of the genus with dark-pigmented peritoneum by the following combination of characters: D 62-78, A 46-59, pectoral-fin rays 22-27, anterior gill arch with 28-35 long rakers; vertebrae, precaudal 31-36, total 68-75; vomer with 1-5 fangs; paired bulbs at basis of penis not developed; no ventral flexure of anteriormost vertebrae; penis in ripe specimens long (up to 15% SL) and slender; fresh specimens light brownish with dark-blue peritoneum; otolith almost circular three times as long as thick and centrally placed sulcus 3-4 times in length of otolith (Ref. 121928).