Can be diagnosed from Aphyocypris moltrechti by having a unique lateral line pattern, in which lateral line turning upward at vertical of posterior end of anal-fin base, running very close to midline of caudal peduncle after turning point, gradually ascending to midpoint of caudal peduncle end (vs. upward turn absent, lateral line running gradually ascending to midpoint of caudal peduncle end in Aphyocypris moltrechti); 2 or 3 scales along vertical between lateral line and posterior end of anal-fin base (including scale row on anal-fin base) (vs. 1 or 2 scales in Aphyocypris moltrechti); last 5-7 scales of lateral line along midline of caudal peduncle (vs. 3-5 in Aphyocypris moltrechti); 34-37 lateral line scales and 33-36 perforated scales (vs. 35-38 lateral line scales and 34-38 perforated scales in Aphyocypris moltrechti) (Ref. 87785).