As is the case with all five species in the genus, the fish appears to be very similar to the widely seen commercially produced tiger barb. However, when compared side-to-side, it can be seen that on P. tetrazona, the middle body stripe extends completely through the dorsal fin. On P. partipentazona, the black coloration on the dorsal fin connects only to the black blotch on the body.
Across all five species in the genus, the fish closely resembles commercially produced tiger barbs. However, upon side-by-side comparison, it is evident that on P. tetrazona, the middle body stripe extends through the entire dorsal fin. On P. partipentazona, the black coloration on the dorsal fin connects only to the black blotch on the body.