The shells of this sand-dwelling group of carnivorous mollusks show a variety of color and pattern, but a uniformity of shape and ornament. They all have a short spire with a channeled suture, long aperture, and callused columella with prominent folds. The smooth surface results from the animal virtually polishing its shell with expanded fleshy lobes. There is no periostracum or operculum. They are widely distributed in tropical seas.