Differs from Discogobio brachyphysallidos, the only other species of the genus in Yuanjiang drainage in China, by scales on breast and belly extending forward at least to posterior extremity of pectoral-fin base; an irregular and faint stripe along flank from anal-fin origin backwards, darker posteriorly, and with contrasting edges on caudal peduncle (Ref. 55924). Can be differentiated from all its congeners by the following characters: oral sucking disc large with posterior edge beyond vertical of anterior margin of eye; snout with small tubercles; body depth more than 17.2% of SL; scaled on breast and belly or naked restricted to belly (Ref. 75176).