This is a snail with a solid, conical shell. It has strong corrugations crossed by finer, diagonal ridges. It is light brown but is often encrusted with coralline algae. The outer shell is often eroded away to show the inner layers. The operculum is massive and oval.

Abundant on the low intertidal to 5 m on northern shores. Found on open rock surfaces on semi-exposed to exposed coasts.

Feeds on turfing and other small algae. The juveniles can sometimes be found grazing on the stipes and blades of kelp plants.

Common part of some coastal Maori diets.

NZ Coastal Marine Invertebrates; Vol 1