This species is characterized by the following features: D 40-43; A 38-41; pectoral rays 12-13; pelvic rays I,5; caudal rays branched 8 while rays of other fins are unbranched; lateral line descend gradually from the upper end of the gill opening to the lower edge of caudal peduncle, pored scales 57-60; rounded lateral-line scales; naked head and body except for the lateral line scales; depth of body 9.3-12.5 in SL; fleshy upper lip; lips no cirri; anal-fin origin below the 4th or 5th dorsal-fin ray; in life colour is translucent white and some individuals with small dark saddles on back (Ref. 54980).

Differs from Crystallodytes cookei by the following characters: D 40-43 (vs. 36-39); A 38-41 (vs. 34-38); pectoral rays 12-13 (vs. 10-11); lateral line scales 57-60 (Ref. 86689).