Diagnostic features are 1) rather broadly conical, turreted shell attaining 7 mm in height, 2) protoconch small, conical, of about 4 convex smooth whorls, 3) teleoconch whorls convex, quickly increasing in diameter, meeting at simple, deep sutures, 4) base imperforate, 5) aperture oval, oblique, with thin peristome, inner lip slightly reflexed, 6) sculpture of low, thin, distant lamellar ribs, 19 on the first whorl, 13 on body whorl; interspaces with even, fine spiral cords forming an oblong-rectangular reticulated pattern. The Indian Ocean Epitonium lacrima Kilburn, 1985, is rather similar, but has a greater spiral angle and more numerous (20-27) ribs. The Japanese Parviscala koshimagani (Nakayama, 1991) is also similar, but exhibits shallower sutures and a wider aperture.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Epitonium townsendi ranges from South Africa to the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Thailand. It occurs on sublittoral muddy and sandy substrates (KILBURN, 1985). FOSSIL RECORDS. None recorded.

6mm. Fragile, high spired with smooth, glossy protoconch of about 3 whorls. Spire whorls bear oblique ribs (about 13 on last whorl) joined at sutures, slightly raised and reflected just below; ribs almost straight sided in profile. Irregular, low, spiral threads between ribs. No umbilicus. White. Habitat: offshore and beached. Distribution: Gulf of Oman, Masirah Island.

This tiny species, which attains a maximum size of only 5mm, has been found in shallow water from the Persian Gulf to Transkei, South Africa. There are about 5 broad teleoconch and about 4.5 protoconch whorls. It is a white, with about 12-14 costae per whorl. The costae are slightly reflected and the low peaks on the top of the costae give whorls a stepped appearance. There are about 12 spiral lines per whorl. The suture is narrowly open. The aperture is oval and the umbilicus may be narrowly open.
E. townsendi is distinguished by its slender shape and by having 12-14 costae per whorl.