This species is distinguished from Microgobius urraca in having the following characters: lateral scale rows 67-76; patch of ctenoid scales under the pectoral fin absent; unpigmented epaxial myosepta; first dorsal fin with a distinct oval-shaped dark blotch; three blue-white stripes on a dark caudal fin. It differs from the remaining eastern Pacific congeners in the number and type of scales (pectoral- and pelvic fin base without scales; pre-anal region with small embedded cycloid scales; small scales on anterior and ventral portions of trunk, partially imbedded, and in irregular rows, becoming larger and arranged in distinct rows dorsally and posteriorly; no small patch of ctenoid scales beneath pectoral fin); D1 VII, D2 I,14; A I,14; fleshy dorsal crest poorly developed and overall color pattern (Ref. 91780).