Congoglanis howesi differs from C. alula in the caudal-peduncle length relative to the caudal-peduncle depth (360%-380% vs. 260%-330%), the head depth (46-57% of head length vs. 38-45%), and the more attenuate head (Ref. 92838). It differs from C. inga in the length of the maxillary barbel, which is extending beyond posterior nostril but falling distinctly short of vertical through anterior margin of orbit vs. extending well beyond anterior margin of orbit, the body width at the dorsal-fin origin (14-16% of standard length vs. 17-20%), the postorbital length (29-32% of head length vs. 32-35%), the caudal peduncle length relative to the caudal-peduncle depth (360-380% vs. 210-290%), the number of vertebrae (38-39 vs. 35-37), and the length of the caudal peduncle, being 20-24% of standard length vs. 16-21% (Ref. 92838). It differs from C. sagitta in the length of the pelvic fin (22-28% of standard length vs. 19-21%), the head width (75-78% of head length vs. 63-73%), the length of the adpressed anal fin, reaching beyond the vertical through the posterior terminus of the adipose fin vs. reaching to or falling short of that vertical, and the length of the pectoral fin, being 26-32% of standard length vs. 23-27% (Ref. 92838).