The base is wide with wavy edges and pink striations and flares out over the shell surface.

The column is wider at the base than further up and has pale brown and white patches and longitudinal striations.

The oral disc has several whorls of long brownish translucent tentacles with paler bases surrounding the mouth.

[1] C. polypus lives as a commensal with several species of hermit crab including Dardanus gemmatus.

Both the pedal disc and the tentacles are very sticky and either can quickly form a firm attachment to the shell.