Shell fusiform, 4.0 mm, of 4,75 whorls, spire profile slightly convex and stepped at the sutures. Protoconch smooth, inflated, of ¾ to 1 whorl.
Teleoconch whorls slightly convex, indented at the sutures, sculptured with blunt axial ribs and weak interstitial spiral cords, about 21 and 6 on the penultimate whorl respectively. Final whorl contracting anteriorly, with 3 or 4 cords on the columella pillar. Aperture approx. 40 % total length of shell. Shell off-white with obscure blotches of pale fawn. Columella with 3 or possibly 4 plaits, stronger posteriorly. Parietal wall smooth, anterior canal distinct, slightly recurved, inner lip indistinct or scarcely distinct. Internal lirae absent.
Type Material
Holotype: h 4.0 x w 1.7 x ah 1.8 mm. Australia, Western Australia, W of Rottnest Island (32°01'S, 115°30'E). Dredged at 120 m. Collected by CSIRO HMAS "Diamantina" Expedition (EGAZ) Station DMI/70, December 2, 1970. (Text-Fig. 9; PI. 3, Fig. 1). WAM S67695.
Distribution and Habitat
Australia, Western Australia, W of Rottnest Island. Dredged in sand & rubble amongst sponges at 256-106 m.
Etymology
Named after the Australian state of Western Australia where this species would appear to be endemic.
Discussion
This small species is comparable to Austromitra apicitincta (VERCO, 1896) (PI. 4, Fig. 3), a much larger elongated species not known currently from the south Western Australian waters.