Height/length 0,46; apex situated at about 0,29 of length from posterior end; outline ovate, widest just behind middle; selenizone raised, lunulae high and rather erect, 4-5 per mm; radial ribs thin and barely raised, about 80, concentric lirae fine and close, forming shallow interstitial pits; white; maximum length 8,7 mm.
Description: Bilaterally symmetrical, basal outline ovate, widest just posterior to middle; height/length 0,46; apex recurved, situated at about 0,29 of length from posterior end; posterior face strongly concave, sides slightly so, anterior face strongly convex; ventral margin gently concave. Anal slit narrow, fairly deep; bordering flanges thin, erect, crenulated, terminations almost level; selenizone raised, lunulae high, rather erect, 4-5 per mm, not corresponding to concentric ridges, intervals with radial microstriae; internally the selenizone forms a feeble ridge with a faint median furrow. Radial ribs thin and barely elevated, much narrower than intervals, about 80 in number, with an occasional feeble intermediary; concentric lirae finer and closer, visible mainly between radials, interstices shallow and pit-like, visible mainly at each end. Ventral margin feebly crenulate internally. Colour white. Dimensions: 8,7 x 6,7 x 4,0 mm, anal slit 2,5 mm deep (holotype).

While only a single specimen is available, it is sufficiently distinctive to be regarded as new. Emarginula macclurgi is somewhat similar to the Japanese Emarginella (Laeviemarginula) membranacea (Habe, 1953), but that has prickly main ribs and a much more depressed, elongate form. E. superba Hedley & Petterd, 1906, from New South Wales, has stronger radials, finer concentric lirae, and a more recurved apex. E. subtilitexta Verco, 1908, from South Australia, is similar in form but more depressed, with a more distinctly cancellate sculpture. E. sublaevis Schepman, 1908, from Indonesia, is basically similar in sculpture and elevation, but is narrower, with a more posterior apex, more granular sculpture and different coloration.

South-Africa: Known only from the type locality, off St Lucia Lighthouse, Zululand, in 100 m, mud and pebble bottom.