The shell is small, with a relatively elongated spire and weakly convex whorls. The periphery is rounded, and the sculpture is variable, often reticulate. It consists of low axial ribs crossed by broad, flat spiral cords with narrow intervals, though the axial ribs may be weak or absent in some specimens. The inner lip features a thin, glossy callus that extends over the parietal region. The outer lip is not noticeably thickened and may be smooth internally or display weak, in-running ridges. The siphonal notch is wide and shallow.[2]
Fresh specimens are reddish-brown to purplish-brown, typically featuring pale spiral bands. Axial ribs, when present, are paler. The inner lip and interior of the aperture are violet, though the color intensity fades over time. The shell is often encrusted with marine organisms, and its surface frequently becomes chalky or etched.[2]
Distribution
This marine species is endemic to South Afriuca and occurs off the West coast and Agulhas Bank (northern Namibia to western Transkei) at depths between 10 m and 150 m.[2]
Marrat, F. (1877). On some proposed new forms in the genus Nassa. Liverpool: privately published. p. 12.
Turton, W.H. (1932). The marine shells of Port Alfred S. Africa. London: Humphrey Milford. p. 58.
Marais J.P. & R.N. Kilburn (2010) Fasciolariidae. pp. 106–137, in: Marais A.P. & Seccombe A.D. (eds), Identification guide to the seashells of South Africa. Volume 1. Groenkloof: Centre for Molluscan Studies. 376 pp.
Martens, E. von (1904). Die beschalten Gastropoden der deutschen Tiefsee-Expedition 1898–1899. A. Systematisch-geographischer Teil. Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse der deutschen Tiefsee-Expedition auf dem Dampfer "Valdivia". p. 27.
