Buccinulum pertinax is a tall spired carnivore.

[4] The subspecies Buccinulum pertinax finlayi is distinguished by having heavier spiral cords.

[2] Buccinulum pertinax pertinax is found in the southern islands of New Zealand, including Stewart Island and the Auckland Islands, while Buccinulum pertinax finlayi is found north of this range, up to Cook Strait.

[3][5] In the waters of the Otago Region, intermediate forms between the two subspecies can be found.

[6] The species is commonly found underneath boulders.