Adult shell of small size for the genus (60 to 90 mm), elongate-fusiform, of solid structure, very tapered anteriorly. Surface shiny. Spire short with penultimate whorl swollen. Protoconch relatively large for the size with mean diameter of 8-9 mm, slightly immersed onto first teleoconch whorl, dome-shaped, bearing sharp calcarella at apex, and sculptured by numerous small close-set radial cords, counted 7-8 on the first post-embryonic whorl, 20-22 on second. Protoconch-teleoconch transition very gradual where radial cords become numerous, close-set, fine axial costae onto teleoconch, attenuated onto last whorl, becoming indistinct from axial growth ridges. Suture impressed. Teleoconch of 3, slightly convex whorls with concave subsutural zone forming attenuate shoulder. Aperture long, narrow, slightly expanded anteriorly, forming approx. 76% of total length of shell. Outer lip smooth and simple, solid and thickened. Columella straight, with 4-6 thick plaits, the 2 abapical more oblique. Siphonal notch deep. Fasciole present. Background colour variable, pale rose or white, overlain by dense, ill-defined tentlike pattern, reddish or pale brown, often crossed by two spiral bands of brownish blotches. Calcarella, embryonic whorl and subsequent whorl light brown or beige. Many shells tinged by rusty deposit.