[1] Both subspecies are now considered synonyms of Hexaplex duplex.

The length of the shell varies between 30 and 229 millimetres (1.2 and 9.0 in).

These are singly spinous, the spines somewhat frondose, those on the shoulder of the whorls usually larger and curved.

The color of the shell is light yellowish brown, usually more or less pink-banded.

[4] This species occurs in the Red Sea and in the Atlantic Ocean off the Cape Verdes and the Canary Islands; and from Senegal to Angola.