I have found Chaetonotus oculatus so far exclusively in the Simmelried between decomposing plant masses but also in the uppermost mud layer. So far I have found only one specimen in March 2023. However, I cannot exclude that I missed the species earlier because of its small size.

The species can be identified by a combination of certain characteristics. First, Chaetonotus oculatus is comparatively small. My specimen was 88 µm in length, at the lower limit of the range given by Schwank, 1990 (s. literature). Spherical ocelli are found on both sides of the head (s. fig. 2). The dorsal scales are distinctly keeled and have a short, curved spine at the distal end, but this can only be seen in lateral view (s. fig. 5). The scales are narrow, almost parallel-sided, and the posterior margin is distinctly incised (s. fig. 4). I could not examine the ventral scales (if present) because I had only this one specimen.