Can be differentiated from other members of the genus Leporinus by possessing 4 teeth on the premaxilla and 3 teeth on the dentary yielding the dental formula 4/3. Distinguished also from other species by the following combinations of non-unique characters: lateral line with 36-37 pored scales; transverse series of scales from origin of dorsal fin to lateral line 4; scales from lateral line to base of pelvic fin 4.5-5; series of scales around caudal peduncle 16; lateral line with 3 round dark blotches, the first at vertical through dorsal fin, the second at vertical through adipose-fin origin and the third at base of caudal peduncle (the latter two blotches, particularly the last one, usually small or inconspicuous) (Ref. 75002).

Description: D ii,11 or iii,11; A ii,9 or iii,9; P i13, 14 or 15; V i8 (Ref. 75002).