This species of the subgenus Photonectes is distinguished by the following set of characters: dorsal- and anal-fin rays are not covered with black fleshy skin; no pectoral fins; pelvic fins are inserted closer to the caudal-fin base; IV photophores 37-39; and IP photophores begin halfway posteriorly on the isthmus; differs from P. achirus, P. caerulescens, and P. mirabilis by the absence of the blue luminous tissue (vs. present); differs from P. phyllopogon by the number of dorsal-fin rays 12-13 (vs. 20-23) and IV photophores 38-39 (vs. 30-31); differs from P. corynodes by having an elongate barbel with filamentous terminal barbel (vs. short barbel with bifid terminal barbel) and one white luminous shoulder spot (vs. none); differs from P. barnetti and P. albipennis by the barbel with two bulbs (vs. one) and gill-filament length on first branchial arch very long, extending beyond opercular opening (vs. reduced or normal, not extending beyond opercular opening) (Ref. 87305).