This specie is distinguished from its congeners (except Cabillus caudimacula) by possessing a pair of modified scales with enlarged ctenii at the base of the caudal fin; it differs from C. caudimacula in having: 5 predorsal scales in adults (vs. predorsal scales none in C. caudimacula); prepelvic area with cycloid scales (vs. naked); ctenioid scale area on side of body extending anteriorly to a vertical through base of third ray of second dorsal fin (vs. extending to a vertical through midbase of first dorsal fin); a narrow black transverse bar at base of caudal fin (vs. a distinctive, large dark blotch posteriorly on side of caudal peduncle and extending onto base of caudal fin); a prominent black submarginal spot at fin membrane between first and third spines of first dorsal fin (vs. no prominent black spot); gill rakers 1-2?4-5 (vs. 1-2?2-3) (Ref. 94253).