This tan to brown goby is named for the 4-6 dark bands across the back, and has a similar number of elongated spots or rectangles on the lower half of the body. Additionally this species has a dark spot on the caudal peduncle and a dark bar from the eye to the rear end of the jaw. This goby is difficult to distinguish from other goby species, including Favonigobius, and expert confirmation is often required.