Laubuka parafasciata can be diagnosed from all members of the genus in having 16 precaudal vertebrae (vs. 14) and having the premaxillae not in contact (vs. in contact) at the symphysis. It can be further distinguished, except L. fasciata, in having a broad, dark-brown midlateral stripe from the posterior rim of the orbit to the middle of the caudal-fin base. It differs from L. fasciata in having a short pelvic fin, not reaching the origin of anal fin (vs. pelvic fin elongated, reaching beyond origin of anal fin), 8½ branched dorsal-fin rays (vs. 7½), 2½ scales (vs. 1½) between lateral line and pelvic-fin origin, and 16½-19½ branched anal-fin rays (vs. 14½-15½). It can be further differentiated from all its congeners by the combination of the following characters: premaxillae not in contact at symphysis; 16 precaudal vertebrae; minute tubercles scattered on the lower jaw; 28-33 scales on lateral line; 16-18 predorsal scales; dorsal fin with 8½ branched rays; anal fin with16½-19½ branched rays; and 2½ scales between lateral line and origin of pelvic fin (Ref. 117337).