The possession of small bony hooks on all fins of mature males separates this species from all congeners from northeastern Brazilian drainages (Astyanax brevirhinus, A. burgerai, A. epiagos, A. fasciatus, A. intermedius, A. jacobinae, A. lacustris, A. pelecus, A. rivularis, A. taeniatus, A. turmalinensis and A. vermilion) and from all Brazilian congeners. Distinguished from all the these species listed above by its unique vertically elongated humeral blotch and the absence of a conspicuous dark broad midlateral stripe, at least on the anterior half of body. Also differs from other Brazilian congeners by the combination of the following characters: conspicuous dark drop-shaped horizontal blotch over the caudal peduncle, usually tapering anteriorly and not extending to the median caudal-fin rays; greatest body depth just anterior to the dorsal-fin origin; 32-35 scales on lateral line; 19-24 total anal-fin rays; distal portion of the pelvic fin not darkened; absence of red pigmentation on body when alive; 5 or 6 cusps on maxillary teeth; 3-7 scales aligned on the base of the anterior anal-fin rays; 16-20 branched rays on anal fin; presence of scales covering the base of anal-fin rays; and one to three maxillary teeth (Ref. 95041).