Schismatogobius tiola is distinguished by the following characters: pectoral fin usually with 15 rays; pectoral fins with a large triangular dorsal (or transverse) black band and a smaller one

posteriorly; first dorsal fln membrane posterior to spine 6 not connected to base of spine of second dorsal fln; anal fin with 1 spine and 8-9 rays; ventral surface of head in male blackish with a white

mentum; ventral surface of head in female whitish or slightly pigmented with dusky blotches and with usually a blackish ring around mentum (Ref. 116768).