Diagnosis: Oblong-ovate, greatest width at level of apex, height/length 0,21; apex situated about 0,24 distance from posterior end; distinctly bilaterally asymmetrical; anal slit narrow, bordering flanges low, crenulated, lunulae 2-3 per mm; radial ribs about 58, alternately weaker and stronger, concentric lirae thinner, forming low, arched scales; no interstitial sculpture; maximum length 14 mm.
Description: Outline oblong-ovate, greatest width at level of apex, height/length 0,21, apex low, only slightly recurved, situated about 0,24 of length from posterior end; lateral slopes flat, posterior slope slightly convex, anterior one slightly concave, ventral margin strongly concave. Anal slit narrow, situated somewhat to right of midline, anterior margin projecting slightly more on left side of slit than on right; bordering flange low, its edge crenulated; selenizone slightly sunken, forming a flat-topped ridge internally; lunulae 2-3 per mm, approximating to the concentric lirae. Sculpture cancellate, radial ribs about 58, alternately weaker and stronger posteriorly, elsewhere with an occasional weak intermediary; concentric lirae thinner than radials, forming low, arched scales; no interstitial sculpture. Inner ventral margin as in E. sibogae. Colour pale brownish (possibly due to discoloration).
Dimensions: 14,0 x 9,0 x 3,0 mm, anal slit 3,0 mm deep (holotype).
Distribution: Known only from the type locality, off Durban in 54 fathoms. Type material: Holotype S.A.M. A9330.
Remarks: Emarginella oppressa, based on a single damaged specimen in rather poor condition, would appear to be a synonym of E. cuvieri (Audouin, 1826) from the Red Sea. Certainly it agrees closely with the figures and description of cuvieri given by Thiele (1915: 95, pl. 11, figs 20, 21). However, in the absence both of actual specimens of cuvieri and of fresh examples of oppressa it seems safer to maintain the latter name pro tem.