This species can be distinguished by the lack of scales on the ventral surface of the body or having a single row of scales, continuous or not, from the isthmus to the bases of the pelvic fins (vs. completely scaled ventral surface of body); enlarged head and postorbital area compared to other species of the genus; prognathous lower jaw with a hypertrophied lip. Colouration: presenting eight to eleven irregular blotches along the mid-lateral surface of the body, formed by dark-brown chromatophores, ranging from rounded spots to vertical bars stretching up to three scales in depth (vs. different configuration pattern) (Ref. 120686).