[2] The 5th edition of Fishes of the World classifies the genus Fowlerichthys in the family Antennariidae within the suborder Antennarioidei within the order Lophiiformes, the anglerfishes.

The small gill openings are located to the rear and below the base of the pectoral fin, which is limb-like with and elbow like joint and broad connection to the body.

The color of this fish is brown to beige, the anal, caudal and dorsal fins are sometimes barred/ The illicium is normally marked with pale bands.

There is a single large ocellus on the upper body and the base of the dorsal fin and there are short dark lines radiating out from the eye.

The female's ovaries resemble tightly wound double scrolls and when they lay eggs these are encased in a gelatinous mass which floats.