C. richardi is the most characteristic of the NE Atlantic species of Coralliophila. The axial sculpture consists of lamellose varices instead of solid ribs as in the other species. These lamellae are given a slightly fringed appearance by the spiral sculpture. It lacks the fine, squamulose sculpture characteristic of many species of the family.

Mediterranean and Caribic.

Both sides of the subtropical North Atlantic, in the upper bathyal zone. The species has been reported in the Mediterranean by Monterosato (1890:23), Taviani & Colantoni (1979:141), and Sabelli & Spada (1980:2) from empty shells. The species probably lives associated with Cnidaria of the Lophelia-reefs and is possibly now extinct in the Mediterranean.