An elongate shell which varies considerably in form and color. Body whorl more than twice as long as spire. Aperture narrow at top and bottom, its inner edge straight and smoothly rounded; stromboid notch deep or shallow. Spire whorls may be smooth or have vertical ribs or tubercles. Aperture usually strongly ribbed.Spiral grooves around lower part of otherwivse smooth body whorl. white, cream or brown, blotched and spotted with shades of brown.