Distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of characters: tiny adult body size (largest specimen examined 19.1 mm SL); lateral line incomplete, with 14-17 pores, terminating on flank anterior to vertical through pelvic-fin origin; a distinct dark brown spot at center of caudal-fin base; 9-10 irregular light brown bars along dorsal body surface; axillary pelvic lobe lacking; weakly developed processus dentiformis; dorsal-fin rays iii-iv.8.i; principal caudal-fin rays 8 + 8 (7 + 7 branched caudal-fin rays) (Ref. 88809).

Description: Dorsal fin with iii.8.i (3) or iv.8.i (1) rays; anal fin with ii.5.i rays; pectoral fin with i.7.ii (2) or i.7.iii rays; pelvic fin with i.5.i rays (Ref. 88809).