[2] The shell of an adult Tonna tessellata can be as large as 45–150 millimetres (1.8–5.9 in).

It is a relatively thin and light weight shell, nearly spherical.

The body whorl is inflated, with a very wide aperture.

Surface is white, smooth and glossy, with distinctive brown-red markings and sculptured by thick spiral ribs.

This species is widespread from South Africa, Madagascar and Western Pacific to Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Philippines and Japan.