Shells of Chicoreus capucinus can reach a size of 40–120 millimetres (1.6–4.7 in).

[3] These large shells are heavy and solid, elaborately textured, uniformly dark brown, with six convex whorls.

They are sculptured with prominent spiral cords, axial ribs and striae.

The aperture is rounded or oviform, brown tinged and the inner labial edge show 14–17 denticles.

[5][6] These voracious predators feed on the barnacles growing on mangroves and on mussels, snails and worms .