[2] The specific name aphanes means "that which is unseen or inconspicuous", an allusion to the camouflage created by its notable coloration and flaps of skin.

[3] Rhinopias aphanes has two black spots in the middle of the membrane between the sixth and eighth rays of the dorsal fin, while R. argoliba, R. cea and R. xenops all lack them.

It can be distinguished from the other two species in the genus - namely R. eschmeyeri and R. frondosa - by noticing its non-fleshy membranes on the spiny part of the dorsal fin (fleshy for the other two species) and clearly notched (as opposed to unnotched or weakly notched) margins of the soft-rayed portions of all but its pectoral fins.

[5] Rhinopias aphanes occurs in the western Pacific where it has been recorded from Queensland, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu.

It expels water through branchial tubes above the operculum, making the tentacles present on the first few soft rays of the dorsal fin quiver; since this bears resemblance to the swaying movements of algae or benthic invertebrates in the current, it improves the camouflage of this fish and thus its chances of ambushing smaller fish (which is the most typical prey).