This species is distinguished by its large size (SL to 25 ?m), moderate (43-46) number of vertebrae, 26-32 predorsal scales, and 7-9 scales in the oblique transverse row between the dorsal fin origin and the lateral line; pectoral fin I with 13-15 rays; 20-26 branchial rakers (usually 22-24); jaw teeth very small (dental index 0.07-0.09); no palatine teeth; pectoral fins dark gray with an oblique light triangular stripe ('mirror'), narrowing upwards and extending to the 4th ray from below; ventral fins of adults have a large bright black spot in the distal part; the specific feature of coloration clearly distinguishes the described species from all other species of Ptenichthys (Ref. 82420).