The mantle (main body) is cylindrical, tapering to a sharp point at the rear, and is about 4–7 times as long as it is wide in mature individuals.

The fins are relatively narrow and rhombic (diamond-shaped) in outline, extending for about half the length of the mantle in adults, though shorter in young specimens.

This species can be distinguished from similar squids by its narrow body shape, fin proportions, arm sucker dentition, and details of the hectocotylus in males.

However, proper identification often requires examination by squid experts due to the subtle differences between some closely related species.

Its range extends westward into the Indian Ocean, where it has been recorded in the Andaman Sea off Thailand, throughout the Bay of Bengal, and along the coasts of India and Sri Lanka.