Shell small, relatively thick, high spired and imperforate. Protoconch 1 1/3 whorls; teleoconch with 4 1/2-5 whorls, rounded, sutures deeply impressed. First whorl (eroded in all specimens) appears to have broad axial ribs. Second whorl with two spiral ribs, one above suture and in middle of whorl. Third and fourth whorl with three spiral ribs; top rib smaller than bottom two. Last whorl with two spiral ribs of strong, nodules in middle of whorl, with narrower spiral rib consisting of smaller nodules above. Interstices slightly wider than ribs and with axial, broad, oblique ribs. Base with four smaller nodulose ribs, slightly more than their own width apart; nodules becoming obsolete toward umbilical area. Columella nearly straight, with small knob above notch at base; knob variable in strength. Outer lip undulate (result of external sculpture), dentate inside. Colour uniform white.

H.fenestrata (Tate, 1893) is a similar species, restricted to south-western Australia and differs from H. elevata in being more angulate and having fewer spiral ribs on the body whorl. 'Euchelus' fimbriatus Pease, 1861 from Hawaii has four spirals on the last whorl and does not have rounded whorls.

Australia. Great Barrier Reef from Gillett Cay, Swain Reefs, off Central Qld. to Yule Detached Reef off N. Qld.; 9 to 80 m.