This genus has a radula identical with that of Patella, but the gill cordon, unlike that of Patella, is interrupted in front by the head as it is in Cellana. The radula in Cellana differs from that of both the above genera in consisting of a pair of central teeth followed by a pair of laterals. The shell of typical Helcion is cap-shaped, high-arched, with the incurved apex almost at the anterior end. The sculpture consists of radial scaly ribs.