[1] Smith's original text (the type description) reads as follows: Shell rimate, rather solid, oblong, turreted, reddish towards the apex, elsewhere dark purple-red or almost black, variegated with oblique, more or less zigzag, opaque creamed-coloured stripes, some of which extend from suture to suture, others only a short distance from the top of the whorls.

Columella suberect, bluish and dark violet, scarcely forming any angulation at the base with the lower margin of the peritreme.

This handsome shell approximates very closely to A. heuglini of Martens in form, but has certain differences in colour and sculpture, which, however, may prove to be only varietal.

A. heuglini, from South Abyssinia and the Gazelle River, is said to be regularly striated, and of a horny lutescent colour flamed with red.

the whole extent of the last, there are minor streaks and spots flowing only a short distance beneath the suture.This article incorporates public domain text from the reference[1]