Distinguished from other species of the genus Phalloceros by the presence of teeth on fourth ceratobranchial and membranous tip anterior to R4 and R5 absent. Can be further differentiated from its congeners, except Phalloceros mikrommatos and Phalloceros ocellatus, by the possession of a roundish to rounded and well-defined ocellated lateral spot (rarely absent). Differs from Phalloceros ocellatus by the postorbital length in females (39.2-42.2 % SL vs. 24.8-39.3 % SL, respectively) and in males (36.7-42.3 % SL

vs. 29.3-38.2 % SL, respectively). Can be separated from Phalloceros mikrommatos by the number of anal fin rays in females (10 vs. 11, respectively) (Ref. 76852).

Description: Pectoral fin with 6 branched rays; longitudinal series of scales 28; transverse series of scales 7 (Ref. 76852).