Rheocles derhami is readily distinguished from R. sikorae and R. wrightae by length of upper jaw (32-41%HL versus 46-58) and absence of black pigmentation of genital papilla, from R. pellegrini by number of gill rakers on lower limb of first arch (9-10 versus 6-7), from R. lateralis by caudal peduncle length (67.3-78.6%SL versus 84.6-96.7), and from R. alaotrensis by absence of chest and belly scales and paired predorsal scale rows (Ref. 39832). In life males normally light grey, the second dorsal, anal and caudal fins are bright silvery blue, the throat region is orange-red, light grey females are not brightly colored; preserved specimens are creamy yellow, scale rows in dorsal midline heavily pigmented and darkened (Ref. 39832).