Diagnosis: Shell of moderate size for the genus (10 mm - 12 mm). fusiform. Teleoconch consisting of 4.5-5 slightly convex whorls; protoconch multispiral. consisting of 3.5-4 smooth whorls; transition to teleoconch not clearly visible. First teleoconch whorls with one or two very fine incised spiral lines on the upper part of the whorl. On further teleoconch whorls these lines lose strength and are not clearly visible. Suture straight, shallow. Body whorl with 12-15 basal cords. Outer lip slightly thickened, with the basal cords on the outside and 6-7 denticles on the apertural side. Columellar callus well-developed with 4 denticles. Siphonal canal short. Shell colour off-white. Protoconch white. Aperture and columella white to oil-white.

Mitrella (Sulcomitrella) kanamaruana Kuroda, 1953 is a taxon sometimes placed in synonymy with M. circumstriata (like in Okutani, 2000). but after comparison we conclude that Mitrella kanamaruana is a valid species, closely related to M. circumstriata. It is therefore removed from synonymy with M. circumstriata. M. kanamaruana is more elongate, has clearly visible incised spiral lines and has one teleoconch whorl more than M. circumstriata. M. kanamaruana also has a very clear colour pattern of thin axial brown lines all over the teleoconch, whereas M. circumstriata is off-white.

Philippines. Sulu Archipelago.