Shell fusiform with scalar spire of shouldered whorls. Protoconch of two whorls not sharply differentiated from the spire whorls, the first whorl smooth, globose, deviated perpendicular to the axis of the shell, the second whorl with a median keel at first imperceptible, but developing into a flange which on the later whorls is divided into a series of flattened triangular keel spikes which are open on the apertural side of the spike. Adult whorls shouldered or carinate posteriorly, with a second less strongly developed keel present anteriorly in the form of a stout cord, here called the anterior carina. Axial sculpture of growth striae which on crossing any spiral lirae give rise to small raised scales. Spiral sculpture apart from the anterior carina may or may not be developed. Spiral lirae when present are usually spinose or bear small raised scales. Aperture subquadrate, peristome entire as the columella lip is covered by a curved plate. Outer lip notched at the keel and projected forward and toothed at the position of the anterior carina. Canal long, generally slightly twisted, smooth or with scaly or spinose lirae. Radula and operculum typical of the family.

The presence of the lamina of the inner lip and the anterior carina distinguish this genus from others in the family. The anterior carina usually has a different appearance from any other spiral sculpture, for example on a spinose shell it usually is made up of small imbricating scales and does not have spines as on the lirae. The tooth on the outer lip is not unlike that of certain genera of the Muricacea which use it to open bivalve shells.