[3][4] The specific name spectabilis refers to the showy color pattern of this species.

[2] The dorsum and the flanks have dark brown to black background with a marbled pattern of sinuous yellow.

[4] Melanophryniscus spectabilis occurs in deciduous (seasonal) and Araucaria–pine within the Atlantic Forest at elevations of 380–1,100 m (1,250–3,610 ft) above sea level.

[4] Melanophryniscus spectabilis was classified as "data deficient" in 2010, at the time when it was only known from its type locality.

Nevertheless, the Atlantic Forest in general has greatly suffered from habitat loss.