Protoconch large, white and shining, 1,5 whorls, first half-whorl deviated, merging gradually into adult sculpture, nucleus well submerged. Teleoconch 3,5 whorls, roundly convex, angulate at sutures. Sutures well impressed. Sculpture of flatly rounded axial ribs, 8 on penultimate, tending to fade on body-whorl, crossed by thin transverse striae, usually 7 on body-whorl, tending to disappear towards base, 3 on other whorls, all crossed by microscopic growth lines. Umbilicus a fine fissure behind inner-lip callus. Aperture broad, tapering a little either end; columella arcuate, two weak slightly oblique plaits, with a third fold on edge of short, broad open siphonal canal; inner-lip strongly calloused on to body-whorl, inclined to left anteriorly; outer-lip uniformly curved, thickened, flared outwards anteriorly, 8 or 9 lirations extending well into aperture. Colour uniformly chalky-white, possibly translucent when alive. Length 6-9 mm, breadth 3-8 mm.

8 specimens have all been compared with enlarged photographs of the 3 syntypes of Cancellaria (Merica) fischeri A. Adams, forwarded by courtesy of B.M.N.H. It is found that two or three very minor differences exist between the three syntypes, between the 8 specimens now held, and between these specimens and the syntypes. These slight differences are only variable features common to other species in the group, and for the present the two populations can be considered conspecific. A note with the syntypes in B.M.N.H. states "Adams does not mention the source of his material". The type locality "Strait of Corea" has possibly been nominated by another worker at a later date, although the title of Adams' paper was "On some genera and species of shells from Japan".

Only two localities recorded in Australia are: South of Cape Catastrophe, South Australia (35° 45' S., 135° 52' E.), and between Eucla and Esperance, Western Australia (32° to 35° S., 121° 30' to 129° E.). Type locality. "Strait of Corea" (35° N., 130° E.), 114 metres.