Schismatogobius essi is distinguished by having the following characters: pectoral fin usually with 15 pectoral; pectoral fins with broad black triangular wedge dorsally usually with few rows of dark spots below it; dorsal flns VI-I,9; membrane in flrst dorsal fin posterior to spine 6 not connected to base of spine in second dorsal fln; anal fln I,8-9; ventral surface ofhead, frenum and

pelvic disc in male entirely blackish or entirely brownish; and in females, underside of head pale with chin and surrounding area blackish, with diffuse dark brown area on anterior part of branchiostegal membrane and isthmus (Ref. 116768).