This species belongs to Hypsolebias antenori group but it differs from all other members by having a dark grey to black stripe on the distal margin of the dorsal fin in males (vs. stripe absent). It is similar to H. antenori and H. igneus, and distinguished from the remaining species of the genus, by the presence of a broad orangish red zone on the anal fin in males (vs. red zone absent). It can be diagnosed from H. antenori and H. igneus by having 11 scales in the transverse series (vs. 14) and 11 gill rakers on ventral portion of first branchial arch (vs. 13); from H. antenori by having longer filaments on the anal fin in males, reaching the posterior portion of the caudal fin (vs. reaching basal portion of the caudal fin); and from H. igneus by having 6 pelvic-fin rays (vs. 7) and 27 scales in the longitudinal series (vs. 29-30) (Ref. 94133)

Description: Dorsal-fin rays 21-23 in males, 17-18 in females; anal-fin rays 22-23 in males, 19-22 in females; caudal fin round; gill rakers on first branchial arch 4 + 11 (Ref. 94133).