This species is distinguished from Pseudexostoma yunnanensis by the following characters: posterior margin of lower lip with 3 notches, depth of middle one shallower than lateral ones (vs. same depth), length of 2 smaller median lobes of lower lip longer than lateral lobes (vs. the same length); pelvic fin I, 3-4 (vs. I, 5); base of adipose fin longer, 37.8-45.1% SL (vs. 28.8-39.8); caudal peduncle more slender, depth 4.6-6.1% SL and 19.6-30.8% in length of caudal peduncle (vs. 6.4-8.3 and 32.6-42.7); premaxillary tooth band with 16-18 teeth (vs. 18-22), it is divided into 2 and are isolated (vs. connected partially). The species differs from P. brachysoma in having a longer pectoral fin 30.1-31.3% SL (vs. 24.9-29.8), pelvic 23.1-24.3% SL (16.1-22.9), and caudal 18-19.6% SL (vs. 13.6-17.9) fins; bigger eyes, diameter 8.2-10% HL (vs. 5.8-7.8) and wider interorbital width 25.5-30.8% HL (vs. 19.7-24.7) (Ref. 57980).