This genus is composed of species with small (5-30 mm long), broadly fusiform shells. The spire is generally moderately high to high. The aperture is typically moderately small, and ovate and lirate within. The anal sulcus is weak, and the siphonal canal is generally short to moderate in length, narrowly open to the right, and more or less dorsally recurved. The body whorl bears three to seven flattened varices oriented perpendicularly to the shell surface, and more or less prominent. The spiral cords are usually scabrously laminate and may extend beyond the varical margin as short spines. In some species a gap in the spiral and axial sculpture is evident between the body and the siphonal canal.
Shell color ranges from gray to orange-pink or white. The aperture is white, in some species suf-fused with pink or red.