Shell: Much like that of philippii but often with a straighter spire, though the protoconch lies at an angle to the rest of the shell as in philippii. The last whorl is both relatively longer and broader than in philippii, and all are slightly more tumid. Varices seem relatively uncommon, but when present are either simple crescentic marks (concavity facing down the shell) or flexuous. The adapical suture dips slightly to the start of the varix but less markedly than in V. philippii.
The protoconch has an approximately hemispherical first whorl and 4 slightly tumid whorls; the whole measures 400—450x320—360 µm.
Aperture. Similar to that of philippii but appreciably longer. The outer hp starts below the periphery of the last whorl and bulges beyond the profile of the spire so that there is often a dip in the profile level with the adapical end of the aperture. In side view the lip has a marked anal sinus and peripheral bulge. The columella lies nearly in the axis of the shell and is short and straight, the out-turning of the lip here slight.
Colour. Bluish white if recently empty, opaque white if long empty. Whitish if alive, from colour of animal.
Size. Up to 4 x 1.3 mm. Last whorl = 53% of total shell height (range 49—58), aperture = c. 35% of total shell height (range 32—38), its breadth equal to half its height. Animal. As in philippii. Colour. White.

Geographical distribution. Mediterranean and from the Channel Islands north along the west coasts of Britain and Ireland. Apparently uncommon, but this may well be due to failures of recognition rather than absence.
Habitat. On soft bottoms, to 35—40 m.