Diagnosis: This species differs most noatbly from the others of the genus Zaireichthys, except Z. mandevillei, in the shorter head, which is 4.5 times in standard length as compared to less than 4.3; it differs from Z. mandevillei in the smaller eye of the latter species, 5 times in dead length vs. 12 (Ref. 86935). The colour pattern resembles that of all other species of the genus Zaireichthys, except Z. pallidus, consisting of a grey-brown background above, shading to yellowish below, with distinct paler patches dorsally and marbled laterally (Ref. 86935).

Description: Number of caudal fin rays: 15/7+8/15 (Ref. 51287). Humeral process long and denticulate (Ref. 51287).