Stiphodon palawanensis is distinguished by the following characters: first dorsal fin pointed in male; second dorsal fin usually with one spine and nine segmented rays, pectoral fin usually with 15 segmented rays; relatively large caudal fin (26-34% of SL) in male; premaxilla with 45-71 tricuspid teeth, dentary with 2-6 (male) or 1-4 (female) symphyseal teeth and 45-79 unicuspid horizontal teeth; nape and posterior part of occipital region covered by cycloid scales; 9-11 dusky transverse bars laterally on trunk and tail; first dorsal fin gray or dusky after preservation (orange or reddish brown in life) without any distinct markings, having a line of black blotches (male) or a black band (female) on distal part of second dorsal fin; pectoral fin without clear markings (Ref. 104909).