C. imitator has a maximum recorded standard length (SL) of 2.65 cm (1.04 in), making it one of the smallest pufferfish in the world.

Males have bodies and fins which are dirty yellow to orange in colour and are covered in dark blotches.

[5] The most notable difference, however, is the body spination, which is greatly reduced in C. imitator compared to C travancoricus.

[4] Information gathered through the importer from the exporter indicated that the species originated in India, and was found in small rivers in Kochi, probably from Ernakulam and neighbouring districts.

The specimens were being kept with a number of C. tranvancoricus, suggesting either the two species occur together, or were later mixed by collectors or exporters.

[4] They have since been found in mid- and lowland reaches of Kumaradhara and Addahole, Netravati River basin in Karnataka, as well as shallow streams.

They are brownish with two translucent vertical bands, one behind the yolk sac and one at the end of the caudal fin.

However, this fish is widely available internationally in the aquarium trade, indicating local exporters may have more knowledge.