This species is distinguished by having all taxonomic characters present in most members of Gobiosomatini and Gobiosoma group (i.e., first dorsal-fin spines VII, pterygiophore insertion pattern of 3-221110, vertebrae 27, precaudal 11 and caudal 16, hypurals 1 and 2 fused to some extent with hypurals 3 and 4 and the terminal vertebral element, 1 epural); pelvic fins are well separated, lacking both the anterior frenum and well-developed membrane

connecting innermost rays (inter-radial membrane better developed in larvae); pelvic-fin rays

1-5, branched (the fifth ray branched only in mature adults), without fleshy or flattened tips; pelvic-fin rays extending posteriorly to about halfway to the anus or slightly further, but never reaching anus; no scales on the body (modified basicaudal scales absent); two anal-fin pterygiophores are inserted before first haemal spine; no cephalic sensory canals; D2 I,10-11; A I,8-10; body with diffuse dark saddles and a series of evenly spaced midlateral blotches on side of body; anterior profile of head blunt and nearly vertical (Ref. 113825).