Shell rather large for genus, adult size up to 5.4 mm; fusiform, elongate. Suture slightly impressed, with distinct subsutural rim. Protoconch paucispiral, -1.6 smooth whorls. Teleoconch of 3.75 whorls. Axial sculpture of 17-18 thin, close-set ribs, becoming obsolete on lower part of final whorl. Spiral sculpture of very weak grooves on lower part of final whorl; basal cords ventrally ranging to adapical edge of columella. Outer lip thickened, with distinct axial rim, bearing continuation of basal cords. Inner lip denticulate, with six equally spaced denticles. Columellar callus raised. Parietal callus slightly thickened. Columella with three to four abapical riblets; riblets occasionally merging. Siphonal canal short, open, slightly recurved. Teleoconch whorls off-white to pale greyish-brown in colour, often with pale brown band at mid-whorl. Final whorl often with second pale brown band just above basal cords. Protoconch off-white. Aperture and columella off-white. Operculum typical of genus, pale brown, semi-translucent, with terminal nucleus. Holotype height 4.8 mm.

The colour pattern is reminiscent of Zafra pumila (Dunker. 1858), but the present species differs in possessing a paucispiral protoconch, fewer teleoconch whorls, an incised suture, broader aperture and longer siphonal canal.

Norfolk Ridge, 212-408 m, alive in 305-310 m.