Shell size typical for genus, adult size up to 8.9 mm; fusiform, elongate. Suture straight. Protoconch multispiral, 3.5 whorls, with fine axial ribs. Teleoconch of 5.5-5.75 whorls. Axial sculpture on two uppermost whorls consisting of strong axial riblets, diminishing in strength and disappearing from third whorl onwards. Spiral sculpture of basal cords, ventrally ranging to adapical edge of columella. Outer lip slightly thickened, smooth, bearing continuation of basal cords. Inner lip denticulate, with eight to nine equally spaced denticles of equal strength. Columellar callus marked by distinct rim along siphonal canal. Parietal callus absent or very weak. Columella smooth. Siphonal canal short, open, straight. Teleoconch whorls completely off-white in colour. Protoconch pale pinkish. Aperture and columella off-white. Holotype height 7.9 mm.

Pleurifera tenuilabris stands apart from P. suzannae in the more elongate shell, greater number of teleoconch whorls, more prominent axial sculpture and the absence of any spiral sculpture.

Loyalty Basin and Norfolk Ridge, 715-850 m.