Differs from all other species of the genus Hypostomus by having a unique combination of pale blotches over a darker background in body and fins, and conspicuous keels on head, predorsal region and lateral plates. Geographic variation is evident where most of the specimens from the rio Xingu basin have dark limits of coloration larger when compared to specimens of the rio Tocantins basin, and the limits between pale blotches are about same size or slightly larger than the blotches. Small specimens (up to 50 mm SL) from the rio Xingu basin mostly possess pale blotches on the head forming vermiculations (vs. small specimens from the rio Tocantins basin have a pattern similar to that in adults). However, the color pattern of specimens from one lot of Hypostomus faveolus from the rio Suiá Miçu in the upper rio Xingu basin is more similar to specimens from the rio Araguaia basin (Ref. 79072).

on its diagnosis.