The shell of this species grows to a length of 70mm. The spire is fairly high, and the body whorl is targe, its length being a little over two thirds of the total shell length. The exterior is red-brown with a centrally placed spiral intermittent band of irregular white murkings, and numerous fine spiral cords. The inner margin of the outer lip and the columella are brown, and the aperture is cream. At the posterior end of the aperture a single strong creamy white fold on the parietal wall lies opposite a strong tooth on the outer lip. This is an extremely common species, to be found on most reefs in very shallow water under small pieces of dead coral.