As the common name suggests, the fur is pale to brownish grey in colour, fading to white or near-white on the under parts and legs.

In addition, clearly visible rings of black hair occur around the eyes, and, on females, patches of orange fur in the groin region, sometimes extending to the thighs and up the midline almost to the throat.

[3] Tlacuatzin candescens is native to Mexico, mainly from southern Sonora state, in the north, south to Oaxaca, with populations also found on the Islas Marías and in central Yucatán.

[3][7] A nocturnal animal, the grayish mouse opossum spends its days resting in its nest, generally within forks or hollows of trees, bushes or cacti, or wedged between rock crevices.

The nests are globular-shaped, constructed of leaves, stems, and other vegetation, and lined with finer pieces of grass and plant fibres, such as the "cotton"-like material obtained from kapok (Ceiba pentandra) trees.

[6] The young attach themselves to teats shortly after birth, and are sheltered by a pouch-like layer of hair, in the absence of a true pouch.