Key to the species of Lophogobius
by J. Van Tassell

1a	Scales on dorsal midline extending forward to near posterior of eye; nuchal crest low; branched caudal rays generally 15 ................................................cristulatus
1b	Scales absent from dorsal midline, present along sides of head only, extending to near posterior of eye; nuchal crest high; branched caudal rays generally 14 ....................................................................................... cyprinoides