[1] At one time thought to be a subspecies of Cymbula miniata, molecular analysis has shown C. sanguinans warrants being treated as a full species, despite there being no obvious morphological differences between the two.

[4] Cymbula sanguinans is a very large limpet, with a shell length that can exceed 10 cm (4 in),[3] but most individuals are rather smaller than this.

The external surface has fine sculpturing and is cream-coloured with radial bands and streaks in brown or pinkish-brown; the interior is a similar colour, with a whitish muscle scar.

[8] Giant limpets are frequently impacted by human activities, including pollution, loss of habitat, and being collected for food.

The largest individuals tend to be gathered preferentially, and because these limpets are protandric hermaphrodites, it is the females that are selectively removed.