Shell small (about 5 mm), trochoid, acutely conical with an extended spire, base rounded, umbilicate; shell nacreous under an external chalky layer, sculptured by spiral rows of tubercles and/or axial riblets.
Remarks: This genus seems to be rather well-defined, although apparently closely related to Calliotropis. At least 1 species (E. clavatus) has been considered a juvenile of C. aeglees (Watson). Shells of Echinogurges can be distinguished from Calliotropis by their much smaller size, the base rounding smoothly into the umbilicus without an umbilical keel, and their much more acutely conical shape. To my knowledge, no living specimens of this genus have been obtained, so radular characters are, as yet, unavailable to aid in placing it. Whatever its relationships, the genus seems distinct enough to warrant generic separation.
Geographic distribution: Amphi-Atlantic, found in the Eastern Atlantic off Portugal, and in the Western Atlantic off Georgia, the Straits of Florida and the Lesser Antilles. It probably occurs throughout the Caribbean.
Bathymetric range—538 to 1723 m.