This species of the Chaunax fimbriatus-species group is characterized possessing a cirri on head, reticulate colour pattern on dorsal surface and more than 3 pairs of spinules in lateral-line neuromast complex. It is further distinguished from its congeners in having greyish dorsal background colour with pale reticulate pattern; cirri present above the eye and none on the lower part of maxilla; 4-6 pairs of stout spinules bridging each neuromast; pectoral-fin rays 14; relatively long and slender illicium; elongate illicial trough, longer than wide; numerous thin brownish cirri on esca; gill rakers: GRi = 12-13 (3+8-9); GRii = 9; GRiii = 9; GRiv = 7-8; lateral-line neuromasts: AB = 11-12 (modally 11); AC = 7-9 (8); BB' = 4-5 (4); BD = 2-3 (2); CD = 5-8 (6-7); EF = 3-4 (4); FG = 3-4 (3); GH = 11-13 (12); BI = 30-35 (Ref. 93086).