Mazarunia pala López-Fernández, Taphorn B. & Liverpool 2012

Based on phylogenetic analysis, this species is distinguished from its congeners by the derived absence of a parhypurapophysis (132-1). Based on external characters, it is diagnosable by the presence of a dorsal-fin scaly pad with ctenoid scales (vs. no scaly pad in Mazarunia charadrica and Mazarunia mazarunii), a small suborbital stripe that is limited to the preopercle, by the absence of clearly discernible lateral bars on the body, and by its general pinkish coloration with a midlateral spot as the only melanic marking (Ref. 91746).

Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 8; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 7; Vertebrae: 26

Occurs mostly in or near the main upper Mazaruni River channel in localities with sandy or slightly muddy substrates with structure formed by submerged or emerging grass and otherriparian vegetation and some drift wood. Appears to move at night into shallow, flooded banks with terrestrial vegetation (Ref. 91746).