[3] Its appearance and ecology are very similar to those of its putative sister species, Ord's kangaroo rat.

In both cases the purest color is on the sides and flanks with hairs in the dorsal region having dark tips giving a blackish sheen.

[1][5] The Gulf Coast kangaroo rat is mainly nocturnal and feeds on seeds which it collects in its cheek pouches and carries back to its burrow.

In sparse mesquite (Prosopis) savannah in Texas it is associated with wiregrasses (Aristida), hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta) and hooded windmill grass (Chloris cucullata), as well as prickly pear (Opuntia).

[5] The population trend of the Gulf Coast kangaroo rat appears to be steady and no particular threats have been identified.