[2] This genus is known in the fossil record from the Miocene to the Pliocene period (age range: from 15.97 to 2.588 million years ago.).

Fossil shells within this genus have been found in Cyprus, Austria, Italy and Turkey.

The adult shells of Bolinus species can reach a size of about 60–200 millimetres (2.4–7.9 in).

They are usually pale or golden brown, thick and spiny with a long and straight siphonal canal and a rounded and broad body whorl.

They are carnivorous and predatory Snails within this genus mainly live along the Atlantic coast of Africa and in the Mediterranean Sea.