Characteristics: Maximum reported size: 34 mm. The 4-whorled white protoconch is usually incomplete on adults. The adult whorls have 8 to 13 white, blade-like costae. The first two whorls are very shallow. A distinctive feature of the shell is a thin white spiral cord below the periphery of the body whorl. There is generally a dark brown band above the cord, and other dark bands below the sutures. There is a thin brown line at the suture. The rest of the shell is light to dark chocolate brown, sometimes fading to white. The thin, fragile operculum is yellow brown.