Conical, high and slender shell, with nearly straight sides, summit angle of teleoconch 20°. Protoconch of 4.5 convex whorls, with a weak and narrow spiral thread in suture, its last whorl with progressive development of adult sculpture, but limit from teleoconch marked by clear-cut oblique change of colour. Teleoconch of 10 to 12 whorls bearing 3 subequal beaded spiral cords per whorl; axial ribs weaker than cords, crossing them at right angles, with a rounded bead at each intersection; beads appearing close-set, and numbering 25 per whorl. The beads of the uppermost spiral cord slightly stronger than others. A fourth weaker and finely beaded cord emerging from suture at base of last whorl. Another smooth very weak cord on base. Aperture quadrangular with rounded angles. Colour golden brown, glossy on fresh specimens, becoming paler with age; protoconch paler, base a little darker-Size: holotype total height 6 mm, width at base 1.5 mm; height of protoconch 0.35 mm; width of protoconch at base 0.25 mm.

This species differs from other Reunion species in its 3 rows of subequal beads, its more numerous and close-set beads, and its poorly marked suture. Cerithiopsis orientalis Preston, 1905 (type locality Ceylon) has a wider and deeper suture, and is paler in colour. Cerithiopsis infracolor Laseron, 1951 (type locality Long Reef, NSW, Australia) has a similar shape, size and colour, but is easily distinguished from it by its costate protoconch.

Réunion. Type locality. Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, found dead in hand-dredged sand at 10-30 m, off Boucan-Canot beach.