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.
As is the case with all five species in the genus, the fish resembles widely seen commercially produced tiger barbs. However, when compared side-by-side, it can be observed that on P. tetrazona, the middle body stripe runs through the dorsal fin entirely. On P. partipentazona, the black coloration on the dorsal fin connects only to the black blotch on the body.