This species in the Lestidium atlanticum species complex is distinguished by the following: complete lateral line; simple luminescent duct originating below opercle; differs from the two other congeners in this species complex in having A 30-33; prehaemal vertebrae 36-38 and total vertebrae 87-90; lateral-line ending at caudal fin base, 123-139 scales; dorsal-fin origin clearly behind tip of adpressed pelvic fin; horizontal distance between origins of pelvic and dorsal fins 6.7-8.7% SL, horizontal distance between origins of pelvic and anal fin 30.2-36.7% ; lateral-line scales 5-7; vertebrae between pelvic-fin origin and dorsal-fin origin 5-8; scattered melanophores away from the upper margin of lateral line before pelvic-fin origin, and entirely translucent on remaining section of lateral line; abdominal ridge without or with scattered melanophores (Ref. 123138).