2 to 4 inches in length, solid, chalky gray to yellowish with a moderately
thick, gray periostracum. Axial ribs 9 to 18 per whorl, low, extending ^
to V2 way down the whorl. Spiral cords small, usually about 5 to 8 between
sutures. Outer lip slightly or well sinuate and somewhat flaring. Aperture
and parietal wall enamel-white. Anterior canal short. 1V2 nuclear whorls
fairly large, smooth and translucent-white. Operculum oval, concentric,
chitinous, and light yellow-brown. A very variable shell which sometimes
lacks the axial ribs but may have numerous spiral threads. Common just offshore
to several fathoms in cold water.