A species of Arctozenus differing from the only congener in having a pale body with lower half

mostly devoid of chromatophores; body slender, its depth 14-19 in SL; a slender head, its depth at middle of eye 4.3-5.1 in HL. Compared to similar size specimens (>250 mm SL) of A. risso, A. australis has relatively slender body (5.2-7.3%, vs. 7.7-10.6% SL); the ratio of snout length/eye diameter relatively large 3.1-3.9 (vs. 2.7-3.4); origin of pelvic fin slightly but clearly behind dorsal-fin base (vs. usually below dorsal-fin base); and anterior lateral-line scales long, about twice as long as its height (vs. width subequal to the height). (Ref. 122005)