Shell of rather small size for genus, adult size up to 5.7 mm (holotype); fusiform, elongate. Suture straight. Protoconch multispiral, 3.5 whorls with fine axial ribs. Teleoconch of 4-4.25 whorls. Axial sculpture on two uppermost whorls of strong axial riblets, diminishing in strength and completely disappearing from third teleoconch whorl onwards. Spiral sculpture of very weak spiral grooves; basal cords ventrally ranging to adapical edge of columella. Outer lip thickened, with distinct axial rim, bearing continuation of spiral sculpture and basal cords. Inner lip denticulate, with seven equally spaced denticles of equal strength. Columellar callus marked by distinct rim along siphonal canal. Parietal callus absent or very weak. Columella with five to seven denticles. Siphonal canal relatively long for genus, open, slightly recurved. Teleoconch whorls off-white to pale beige in colour with thin brown subsutural band and brown flammules on final whorl. Protoconch off-white to beige. Aperture and columella off-white.

Pleurifera lepida is the smallest representative of the genus (adult size up to 5.7 mm). It stands apart from P suzannae in the smaller teleoconch, denticles on the columella, less prominent spiral sculpture, more prominent axial sculpture on early teleoconch whorls, narrower aperture, longer siphonal canal and brown subsutural band. Differences with P tenuilabris include the smaller teleoconch, less elongate overall shape, narrower aperture, longer siphonal canal, denticles on the columella, thickened rim on the outer lip, and brown subsutural band.

East coast of New Caledonia and Loyalty Ridge, 298-470 m.