[3] These large shells are characterized by a greatly swollen apex and a lightweight protoconch with a diameter of about 20 millimetres (0.79 in).

The background colour is yellowish-brown or cream, while the inner edge of outer lip may be white or orange.

Body whorl usually has two wide spiral bands of axial zigzag brown lines, but this pattern is variable.

[5] The distinctive patterns on the shell are produced by a process analogous to a linear cellular automaton and can accordingly resemble fractal shapes like the Sierpinski gasket.

[6] These moderately common sea snails live in subtidal waters and offshore on sand and mud, at depths of 73 to 457 m., emerging at night to feed.