Overview
Description: Shell heavy with two varices per whorl. Sculpture on shoulder variable; smooth or with one or two rows of nodules. Shell covered with irregular spiral riblets.
Colour: Exterior coloration uniform brown, varices alternating white and brown. Interior and columella white. Covered with a thick velvety periostracum when alive.
Size: Height to 205 mm (New Zealand specimens).
Comparison of similar species living within its distribution/depth range:
Distribution: Kermadec Ridge, Eastern North and South islands and Chatham Rise. Also eastern and western Atlantic, southern Africa, Saint Paul and Amsterdam islands and Réunion.
Depth: Living at 50-430 m on hard and soft bottoms.
References/more information:
Powell, A.W.B. (1979) New Zealand Mollusca. Marine, land and freshwater shells. Collins, Auckland (p. 167).