The generic name was formed from the Ancient Greek lampós ("bright, shining, brilliant") and kteís ("comb"), referring to the iridescence of its "combs"; the specific epithet was formed from the Latin cruentus ("blood-red") and venter ("belly").

Two morphological differences separating it from previously known comb jellies warranted the naming of a new family for this animal.

[2] This ctenophore differs from all previously described lobate ctenophores in two major ways: (1) all of the meridional canals have blind aboral endings, and (2) the body is penetrated by a deep notch located between the adjacent subtentacular comb rows at the level of the infundibulum.

The deep color of its belly may mask the animal's bioluminescence to hide it from potential predators.

[1] Lampocteis need to be able to conceal their stomach in order to prevent their prey from lighting them up from the inside, effectively revealing its location.