Bovichtidae icefishes are characterised by a protrusible a not very elongated or pronounced snout. The gill membranes not connected to the isthmus and they project quite far forward. There is a single  lateral line.
The Bovichtidae icefishes can be distinguished by their unique snout shape, which is neither very long nor sharply pointed. Their gill membranes are also separated from the isthmus and extend far forward. Additionally, they possess a solitary lateral line.