The shell shape and sculpture are very variable in the species and two different morphotypes have been recorded at Kerguelen Islands: (1) a kelp-dweller and (2) a hard-substrate morphotype. The shell and the sculpture of the hard-substrate morphotype are relatively constant in the analysed individuals, which exhibit a conical morphology, dorsally raised, with a very thick and non-translucent shell. The anterior part of the animal is laterally compressed . The shell is large (maximum length 120 mm) and has a medium profile. The apex is located at the the anterior 30% of the shell. All the slopes of the shell are convex. The aperture of the shell is oval. The surface of the shell is sculptured with weak radial folds. The margin of the shell is very crenulated. The external coloration varies from purplish brown to grey/white and the apex is reddish bronze. The internal part of the shell varies from light brown to purple with a metallic lustre and dark lines corresponding to external colour patterns bordered by a white/grey halo. The shell of the kelp-dweller morphotype resem¬bles N. mytilina from the Magellanic province. This morphotype is conical, dorsally raised, with a very thin and translucent shell. The shell is of medium size (maximum length 60 mm), with a low profile. The apex is situated at the anterior 20% of the shell, anteriorly directed and curved toward the border, and obtuse. The anterior slope is concave, while the posterior and lateral ones are convex. The aperture is oval. The surface of the shell is sculptured with a few radial ribs, more obvious in the anterior zone, with concentric growth lines. The margin of the shell is relatively even. The external and internal color¬ation of the shell is purple to brown, with darker tones toward the apex. External anatomy (for both morphotypes): The ventral area of the foot is dark grey to black and the epipodial fringe is highly recognizable. The mantle fold is thick and dun-brown coloured. The mantle tentacles are in alternated series of three shorter pigmented ones (white/black/white) and a black longer one. The cephalic tentacles are dorsally pigmented with a black line. Radula: The first lateral teeth are set close together on the anterior edge of the basal plates, long and sharp pointed, with two cusps. The second laterals are broader with four sharp cusps.

Shell thin and fragile, large, up to 80 mm. (3,125 inches) in length, broadly ovate, but decidedly narrowed anteriorly, rather elevated, and with the apex varying between near the front margin in juveniles to a subcentral position in adults. Sculpture consisting of weak radial folds. Colour dark purplish-brown, with the apex reddish-bronze; internally completely dark bronzy reddish-brown.

The kelp-associated morphotype of N. kerguelenensis exhibits major parallels in terms of shell morphology, thickness and sculpture, as well as habitat preferences with the Patagonian N. mytilina. Recent molecular analyses determined that this kelp-associated morphotype at Kerguelen Islands fell within the genetic diversity recorded in N. kerguelenensis (Gonzalez-Wevar et al., 2017). Accordingly, N. kerguelenesis is restricted to Kerguelen and Heard Islands.

Dell (1964) has shown that the young stages of this species have the form of typical Nacella, and that in the adult the apex has moved back from near the front margin to a subcentral position. These adults, however, retain the light build of Nacella. It is possible that some of the lighter built Magellanic species of Patinella go through a Nacella stage also, but at present there is no evidence in support of this theory.

Kerguelen and Heard Islands. Nacella kerguelenensis is highly abundant and exhibits a continuous distribution in the Kerguelen Archipelago. The species is also broadly distributed on Heard Island.
Habitat: The species occurs in the high and medium intertidal rocky ecosystem down to 40 m depths; it is also abundant grazing on macroalgae.