Ocenebra circumtexta: The shell is of moderate size for the genus (maximum length 30 mm) and ovoid to stoutly fusiform. The spire is low to moderate in height, consisting of one and one-fourth convex to very weakly angulate nuclear whorls and four or five moderately convex postnuelear whorls. The suture is distinct. The body whorl is large and ovate, with a weak anal sulcus. The outer apertural lip is weakly erect in the central portion of older shells; its inner surface bears six strong, evenly spaced denticles. The columellar lip is enterely adhèrent. The siphonal canal is short and broad, its closure évident only in completely mature spécimens.
The body whorl bears eight to ten low varices. Axial sculpture otherwise consists of lamellar growth striae, thèse présent between and on the varices and most prominent on the spiral cords. Spiral sculpture consists of 12 or 13 equal-sized, closely spaced major cords, spread evenly over the body. A single subsutural secondary cord is generally présent.
Shell color is generally white, with two broad, interrupted, brown transverse bands on the body. In certain populations the entire shell is brown. The aperture is white at its margin, grading into a darker rich creamy yellow or brown or purple-brown to a dark purple.

Ocenebra circumtexta: Monterey, California, to Scammon's Lagoon, Baja California.