This species which is a member of the C. abei-species group possess a broad illicial trough that is wider than the eye pupil diameter and has a uniformly deep red body; further distinguished from its congeners in having the modally 1spine on each side of lateral-line neuromast; modally 12 pectoral-fin rays; caudal peduncle wide and stout; illicium short and stout; esca large with numerous bright red cirri; greyish gill chamber and gill arches; gill rakers - GRi = 17-18 (3-4+13-15); GRii = 14-15; GRiii = 14-15; GRiv = 12; lateral-line neuromast counts: AB = 11-12 (modally 12); AC = 8; BB' = 4-5 (4); BD = 2-3 (2); CD = 6-7 (7); EF = 4-5 (4); FG = 4-5 (4); GH = 11-14 (13); BI = 32-39 (Ref. 93086).