[3][4] The 5th edition of Fishes of the World classifies Kentrocapros in the family Aracanidae which is in the suborder Ostracioidea within the order Tetraodontiformes.

[5] Kentrocapros aculeatus is the type species of the genus Kentrocapros, a name which combines kentro meaning "thorn" or "spine", a reference to the spiny ridge along the flanks of this species, with capros, meaning "wild boar".

The specific name, aculeatus, means "spined" or "pointed" and refers to the spiny ridge along the flanks too.

The overall colour of the body is greyish-brown, with a number of brown spots, similar in diameter to the pupils, on the back and upper sides.

[2] Kentrocapros aculeatus has a range which encompasses the Northwestern and central Pacific Oceans.