Hongyu chowi was named by Zhu et al. (2017) [Large fin-bearing tetrapodomorph with the following unique character combination: a jagged margin along the dermal intracranial joint, posterior margin of tabular anterior to that of the postparietal, an extremely flat lower jaw with a large rectangular retroarticular process, single large lateral line pore at extratemporal-supratemporal junction, hyomandibula with an opercular process at the distal end, a large plate-like scapulocoracoid without foramina, cleithrum without ventral lamina, distinct atlas vertebra articulating with occiput, vertebrae with ring centra, round thin scales without an internal median boss.]. Its type specimen is IVPP V17681, a skeleton (a three-dimensionally preserved and partially articulated specimen), and it is a 3D body fossil. Its type locality is Quarry at Shixiagou, which is in a Famennian terrestrial horizon in the Zhongning Formation of China.