Diagnosis: Eleotris soaresi is distinguished by second, third and fourth suborbital free neuromast rows on cheek extending ventrally past horizontal row 'd' ('2.3.4' pattern), row 'os' connected with row 'oi' at ventro-posterior margin of operculum ('closed' pattern); 17-18 pectoral fin rays; 50-56 scales in lateral series, and 12-13 scales in zigzag series (Ref. 123271). Eleotris soaresi differs from the other species of Indian Ocean with a '2.3.4' pattern in having fewer scales in lateral series, 50-56 vs. 59-64, and in zigzag series, 12-13 vs. 13-15; moreover, it differs from E. valadei in having fewer scales in transverse forward series, 22-24 vs. 27-30, and predorsal series, 39-43 vs. 45-50, and from E. diamsoi in having 17-18 pectoral fin rays vs. 16 (Ref. 123271).

Description: The body is elongated; the body depth at anus is 20-21% of standard length and the caudal peduncle depth is 15% of standard length; predorsal length 47% of standard length and preanal length 65-69% of standard length (Ref. 123271). The head 33-37% of standard length is broad and depressed, the snout is pointed; eyes high on head; the mouth is large, as the jaw length is 11-13% of standard length, and oblique, the posterior margin of upper jaw reaches the vertical through the two thirds of the eye; upper and lower jaws with multiple rows of small inwardly curved teeth (Ref. 123271). Dorsal fins VI-I,8-9; first dorsal fin spine separate from and same height as second dorsal fin spine; spines not elongated; anal fin I,8-9 and directly opposite to second dorsal fin; pelvic fins separate, I,5; pectoral fins 17-18; caudal fin rounded with 15 branched rays (Ref. 123271). Cycloid scales on top of head, nape, cheek, operculum, pectoral fin base, prepelvic region, and abdomen; ctenoid scales covering flanks; no lateral line canals; 50-56 scales in lateral series; 39-43 in predorsal series, 15-18 in transverse back series, 22 in transverse forward series and 12-13 in zigzag series (Ref. 123271). A downward pointing spine at the posterior margin of the preoperculum is covered with skin; gill opening is moderately broad, extending to below the preoperculum (Ref. 123271). Adults with five transverse suborbital free neuromast rows of which second, third and fourth suborbital free neuromast rows on cheek extend ventrally past horizontal row 'd' ('2.3.4' pattern); row 'os' connected with row 'oi' at ventro-posterior margin of operculum ('closed' pattern) (Ref. 123271). Urogenital papilla elongated and tapered in males (Ref. 123271).

Colouration: Colour in life: body dark brown, dorsal and anal fin punctulated with black (Ref. 579, 123271). Colour in preservation: head, preoperculum, body, abdomen and fins dark brown; gular and isthmus beige or dark brown depending on the specimen (Ref. 123271).