Distribution: Pantropical in shallow-water; burrowing in coral rubble (but also reported from mangrove root mats in Belize); fairly common. Characteristics: Relatively large (often 4-5 cm) with up to 35 distinct longitudinal muscle bands that are usually easily visible through the body wall. Solid anal shield with 10-15 longitudinal grooves. Usually with a strongly developed pagoda-shaped, grooved caudal shield. Shape of body quite variable depending on state of contraction.