This species is similar to Andinoacara rivulatus and A. stalsberg i in having 8-12 (usually 9-10) relatively small predorsal scales in a median row, and different from other species of Andinocara which have a median predorsal row of eight large scales. This can be diagnosed from the most similar species, A. rivulatus , by E1 scale count 25, exceptionally 24 or 26 (vs. 24, exceptionally 23), narrower head (15.2- 17.8 vs. 17.7-22.0 % SL) and narrower interorbital space (8.9-10.9 vs. 9.9-15.5 % SL). Differs from A. stalsbergi in color pattern: in large males of A. blombergi scales on side light, with dark spot at centre, vs. scales with light centre and dark margin in A. stalsbergi . Lower part of head and chest may be spotted with blue but is otherwise pale except for preopercular blotch in females vs. lower part of head and chest blackish in preserved specimens of A. stalsbergi (Ref. 93151).