This is similar to Rhinogobius lentiginis in terms of spot pattern on the head but it can be distinguished by the following characters: presence of cephalic lateralis canals on head (vs. absence in Rhinogobius lentiginis; vertebral count 10+16 =26 (vs. 27); anal fin with 7-9 branched rays (vs. 6-7); head with irregular spot pattern (vs. with regular dots); and inner branchiostegal membrane without dots in male (vs. with many dots) (Ref. 75976).