This species of the ‘brunneus group’ of Apristurus is distinguished by the following characters: upper labial furrows distinctly longer than lower ones; first dorsal fin much smaller than second dorsal fin, originating distinctly posterior to level of pelvic-fin insertion; second dorsal-fin insertion clearly anterior to level of anal-fin insertion; snout moderately long, with pointed tip; pre-outer nostril length slightly greater than internarial width, about 0.6-0.8 times interorbital width; very short abdomen; pectoral-pelvic space much shorter than anal-fin base length; pectoral-fin tip posterior to level of midpoint of pectoral-pelvic space; spiral valves 17-19; monospondylous 33-36 and precaudal diplospondylous vertebrae 34-38; dermal denticles small giving a velvety texture to body surface; no enlarged dermal denticles along dorsal margin of caudal fin; claspers without hooks, posterior margin of exorhipidion forming a free lobe; colour of body and fins uniformly medium or dark brown (Ref. 97621).