This species is distinguished from all congeners by the medial processes of left and

right pelvic bones relatively reduced, not overlapping each other at ventral midline. It can be further diagnosed by the following combination of characters: four to six regular rows of small

circular spots of dark brown chromatophores on body side, more apparent along caudal peduncle; absence of a swelling between the urogenital opening and the anterior base of the anal fin in females; 12-16 predorsal scales; absence of a large dorsal convex expansion at subdistal segments of right half of sixth anal-fin ray of adult males; eye diameter of females 26.1-33.1% HL; and absence of a distinct rounded spot on dorsal pectoral-fin base (Ref. 94152).