[citation needed] False water rats have markedly long, flattened heads with small eyes and short, rounded ears that are 10 to 14 millimetres in length.

[10][11] The body fur is water-resistant and dark gray, which gradually blends into the white underside,[10][11] the hair is short and lustrous.

[10][11] The average weight is 42 grams, and may vary from 35 to 55 g. This murid species has a total of four teats, two pairs at the inguinal region.

[11][13] False water rats primarily live in mangrove communities and shallow areas surrounding lagoons, swamps, and lakes.

[10][11] Up to eight individuals of various ages (young and old) and either sex live in a nest, with usually only one sexually active adult male present and several females.

[12] The destruction of their habitat as a result of water quality changes due to agriculture, livestock grazing, urbanisation, and swamp drainage.

[12] Natural fluctuations in sea level result in altered patterns of vegetation zones between saltmarsh, mangrove and terrestrial communities.

[17] There are several predators to the false water rat including foxes, cats, carpet pythons, rough-scaled snakes, tawny frogmouths, and pigs.

[12] Degradation of habitat from hard-hoofed animals (e.g. pigs) and competition for food resources directly impact the water mouse.

[16] Through the years, man has been careless with the release of pollutants and other waste products thereby causing a decrease in the habitat for these animals.

Paying particular attention, creating, promoting and maintaining environmentally safe processes surrounding excavation and construction, garbage and waste products elimination, chemicals and extracts usage, as well natural and unnatural predators will increase the survival chances of the false water rat.