Distorsionella was proposed, as a subgenus of Distorsio, for a single relatively large species of Personidae (reaching 40 mm in height, i.e., larger than all personids other than Distorsio) of most atypical fusiform shape, with a drawn-out and only gradually contracted base merging into a poorly defined siphonal canal, with the basal columellar nodules situated directly on the columella rather than on the larger, elevated, hollow ridge characteristic of Distorsio, with an only narrowly flared inner-lip shield over the previous whorl, and with only weakly distorted coiling. In view of the diversity of smaller personids recorded here from New Caledonia and nearby areas and the distinctive shell shape of Distorsionella. Distorsionella seems better treated as a genus rather than as a subgenus of Distorsio. This rank was used also by WAREN & Bot'CHET (1990), HENNING & HEMMEN (1993) and KRONENBERG (1994).