Cancellaria australis: Protoconch: 1,5 whorls, smooth and shining, first half-whorl deviated, merging gradually into main sculpture, nucleus submerged. Teleoconch 4 convex whorls, body-whorl 75 per cent of total length. Sutures deeply impressed. Sculpture of slightly oblique rounded axial ribs, about 25 on body-whorl and 22 on penultimate, crossed by strong transverse striae, about 14 on body-whorl and 6 on penultimate, forming elongate nodules at intersections; 2 or 3 fine threads between transverse striae, the whole crossed by microscopic growth lines. Umbilicus a fine fissure behind inner-lip callus, axial ribs continued into opening. Aperture oval, half-length of shell; outer-lip regularly curved, sharp-edged, flared outwards anteriorly, 12 strong lirations within; columella straight, 3 strong plaits, posterior slightly oblique, central and anterior strongly so, anterior forming edge of a short wide-open siphonal canal; inner-lip reflected as heavy glaze on to body-whorl. Colour shining white. Dimensions. Holotype, length 20-25 mm, breadth 12-66 mm. Largest of 3 paratypes, length 21 -8 mm, breadth 13 mm.

Cancellaria australis: Description of this species has been compiled from the original description coupled with examination of enlarged photographs of two of the four syntypes by courtesy of B.M.N.H. The only mention of this species during the present century appears to be that by Hedley (1913: 304), who provisionally identified a species from Port Curtis, Queensland. This was most likely the species, later named by Iredale as Cancellaphera amasia (1930: 80), the type locality being Port Curtis; this occurs quite frequently in a pure white form which bears a superficial resemblance to C. (Sydaphera) australis, and indentification as that species is quite understandable. This species compares favourably with others in the genus in regard to protoconch, type of sculpture, and shape of whorls and aperture.

Cancellaria australis: Type locality. New South Wales. No specimen is since on record from New South Wales, but as Queensland formed part of "New South Wales" when the species was recorded it is quite possible that the species was taken in Queensland waters. It is not on record from elsewhere as far as known. Distribution. Type locality only.