Shell to 30.0 mm in length, elongate-ovate, width 38-41% of length, teleoconch of 6-7 convex whorls, .protoconch of 2.5-3 glassy-white, smooth embryonic whorls. Sculptured with elevated spiral cords which number 4-5 on the penultimate whorl, anterior cord sometimes partly covered by suture, and from 11-15 on the body whorl, siphonal fasciole with 5-6 oblique cords; interspaces broad, axially striate and constricted centrally by a fine spiral groove or thread. Aperture equal in height or longer than the spire, 49-56% of total length, smooth within, outer lip foliated on edge, columella basally calloused and with 3-4 oblique folds, anterior fold the smallest, siphonal fasciole distinct. Variable in color, beach specimens white to fawn in color, spiral cords plain or lined with golden-brown, some fresh specimens are brown in color with a yellowish central band on the body whorl and occasionally irregular white spots at sutures, aperture white to cream.

This rare species has been omitted from twentieth century faunal lists and has been again described as new under the name S. lopesi Matthews & Coelho, 1969. Two other living species very recently described as Subcancilla lindae and S. leonardhilli by Petuch, 1987 (New Caribbean Molluscan Faunas, CERF, p. 106, pi. 23), both from the same place off Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, appear to be elongated forms or closely related subspecies of S. candida. 1 have not had an opportunity to examine the types of these new taxa.

Range - From the Caribbean Islands to Brazil. Subtidal, 16-100 m, in sand and mud.