Distinguished from other species of Pseudolaguvia in having a combination of the following characters: total vertebrae 28-29; one or more distinct pale bands encircling body; eye diameter 10-15% HL; interorbital distance 35-38% HL; head width 21.5-23.5% SL; thoracic adhesive apparatus reaching beyond base of last pectoral-fin ray; pectoral spine length 26.9-32.9% SL; dorsal spine length 23.4-29.0% SL; dorsal spine with anterior edge smooth or with rugose surface only on distal third of spine; body depth at anus 16.9-19.0% SL; length of adipose-fin base 12.5-15.4% SL; caudal peduncle length 14.8-17.7% SL; caudal peduncle depth 7.4-9.8% SL; and caudal-fin length 26.5-32.4% SL (Ref. 92247).