Shell to 28.0 mm in length, very solid and almost biconic, width 33-44% of length, teleoconch of 6-8 convex whorls, protoconch with only 2 partial, glassy-white embryonic whorls observed, but probably conical-multispiral. Sculptured with prominently elevated, keel-like spiral cords which number from 2-3 on the penultimate and from 9-12 on the body whorl, siphonal fasciole with 3-6 oblique cords; interspaces deeply concave or almost "V"-shaped and sculptured with fine or very prominent axial striae. Intermediate spiral sculpture absent or interspaces may be constricted by a fine central groove; interspaces between the second and third anterior body whorl cord usually very broad. Aperture longer than the spire, 56-63% of length, smooth within, outer lip thick and fluted in mature specimens, columella narrowly calloused and with 3-5 prominent, oblique, siphonal fasciole distinct. White to pale yellowish-brown in color, rarely with a livid central band, under a blackish-brown, opaque periostracum, only a small percentage of specimens with pale orange cords, aperture white or stained with brown.

This species is easily recognized by its solid, rough appearance and coarse sculpture of elevated spiral cords with "V"-shaped interspaces. The shoulder of the whorls is more sloping, the aperture generally longer and spiral cords plain and more elevated in S. sulcata than in "Ziba" erythrogramma (Tomlin), and the periostracum is also darker brown and opaque in sulcata.

Range - From Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, Mexico, through the Gulf of California to Ecuador. Under rocks and in sand, from the intertidal zone to a depth of 112 m.