Shell rather thick, outline oblong-oval, with a central, oval perforation occupying about one third of the total length; basal margin of shell double, with the white inner layer projecting beyond the coloured outer one. Sculpture of fine radial threads and coarse growth-lines. Grey or fawn with darker grey or brown rays. Maximum length 50 mm, but rarely exceeds 35 mm.
Lives on the underside of submerged rocks in sandy crevices, at and below low-tide level. Seldom found alive, but beach shells are not uncommon in the eastern Cape. The shell is internal, only the site of the perforation showing; the large, tough animal varies from black or brown to orange in colour, with the sole of the foot orange.

South-Africa: Namibia to western Transkei.