Shell up to 45.0 mm in length, solid and heavy, sutures distinct, subcanaliculate on the spire whorls and occasionally minutely coronate by axial lirae. Whorls 7-8 in addition to protoconch, spire whorls shorter than in M. fulgurita and roundly subangulate at the sutures. The sculpture is rather coarse on the spire whorls and consists of bisecting axial and spiral threads which are about of equal strength; this rough sculpture and deep pittings extend to the sutural area of the last whorl but become weaker and more discreet on the last two-thirds of the body whorl where the spiral grooves appear pitted. The number of spiral grooves is the same in this species and M.fulgurita. Aperture longer than the spire, narrow and smooth within; outer lip moderately straight or very slightly convex, thickened, obsolete small crenulations overlaid by a callus in adults. Columella calloused in adult specimens and with 4-5 oblique folds; siphonal canal straight, siphonal notch distinct. White or cream in color, ornamented with brown axial blotches or streaks on the spire whorls in a similar fashion as in M.fulgurita, and 1-2 moderately broad brown bands on the body whorl. The transverse bands may either merge or be interrupted by the protruding base color. In a specimen from Roeburn, W. Australia, the body whorl had 4 spiral rows of small dark brown spots arranged in the same manner as in the color form yaekoae of M. fulgurita. The aperture and columella are white, bluish white or cream. The periostracum is brown and thin.

The species is very similar to M.fulgurita Reeve in general appearance, number of whorls, spiral grooves and columellar folds. It differs in features of shorter spire and consequently longer aperture, shorter and more angulate whorls and a coarser sculpture, particularly longitudinal one.

From Mauritius to Ceylon and N.W. Australia. Habitat - On sand-flats, sand-bars and rocky shore, intertidal and subtidal.