Flattened, membranous, deep-red fronds, 30-150(-200) mm long. Frond deeply divided into linear-lanceolate, irregularly branched segments, often terminating in hooks. Margins toothed, often ± proliferous. Frond traversed by network of microscopic veins, macroscopic veins absent. Womersley (2003: 131-133, figs 61, 62A, B) gives descriptions of the thallus and reproduction.

Womersley, H.B.S. (2003). The marine benthic flora of southern Australia - Part IIID Ceramiales - Delesseriaceae, Sarcomeniaceae, Rhodomelaceae. pp. 533. Canberra & Adelaide: Australian Biological Resources Study & State Herbarium of South Australia.

Wynne, M.J. (2005). A check-list of benthic marine algae of the tropical and subtropical western Atlantic: second revision. Beihefte zur Nova Hedwigia 129: 1-152.

Basionym: Nitophyllum ciliolatum Harvey

Type locality: King George Sound, Western Australia (Womersley 2003: 133). Lectotype: TCD, Herb. Harvey Alg. Aust. Exsic. 297B (Womersley 2003: 133).