Diagnosis: 33-43 (usually 36-40) scales in longitudinal series on flanks, and 2-5 scales on caudal fin base; 12-17 (usually 13 or 14) in rearward transverse series; body pigmentation usually dark with a broad, dark band on flanks, from pectoral-fin base towards caudal-fin base (Ref. 57413). No prominent dark spot on dorsal part of pectoral fin base (Ref. 57413), if dark pigment present, not distinct from pigment on nape (Ref. 81660). Sensory papillae on upper rear field of opercle form a forked row (Ref. 81660).

Description: 35-50 (usually 36-44) predorsal scales (Ref. 57413, 81660). Cheek naked (Ref. 57413, 81660), but occasionally with small cycloid scales on rear half or upper rear corner (Ref. 81660). Opercle with small embedded cycloid scales (Ref. 81660). 33-43 (usually 36-40) scales in longitudinal series on body, plus 2-5 scales on caudal fin base (total longitudinal scale count usually 41-46)(Ref. 57413). 13-16 transverse scale rows (Ref. 81660). 1st dorsal fin: VI (rarely V); 2nd dorsal fin: I,8 (rarely 9); anal fin I,8 (rarely 7 or 9); pectoral fins: 14-18 (usually 15 or 16)(Ref. 57413, 81660). Caudal fin rounded with 15 segmented rays; upper, oblique, opercular neuromast row os distant from row oi; 2 vertical opercular ot rows; 4th vertical, suborbital c row usually extending ventrally below horizontal row d; vertical suborbital neuromast rows not proliferated, or only weakly so (see Miller, 1998: fig. 5)(Ref. 57413).

Coloration: similar to Eleotris vittata (Ref. 57413). Body usually very dark, with a broad longitudinal band on, or dorsal to, midline of flanks; pectoral fin base lacks a prominent, dark spot (Ref. 57413, 81660). Pectoral and pelvic fins with distinct bands (Ref. 81660).