« Shells extremely variable in shape and size, the largest species about 45cm (18 inches) in length. Most species have columellar plicae. The siphonal canal is well defined, usually forms a notch and succeeding growth stages often form a fasciole. The lip is usually simple and seldom reflected. Operculum, when present, small and unguiculate. […] The Volutidae are rachiglossate, having the proboscises introvert, paired pre-neural salivary glands, a concentrated nervous system and a large gland of Leiblein. The radula is uniserial, except in two small subfamilies which may have small lateral teeth. » – Clench & Turner: “Volutidae”, Johnsonia vol.IV (43), Cambridge 1964, p.129.
 

The genus is monospecific. Shell biconical; whorls somewhat flattened; suture marked; aperture measuring about the 3/5 of the total shell height; external lip undulating.
 

The genus is West-African. Shells medium-sized to very large, « ventricose, sombre, and, for the most part, uniform in colour, and the apex of the spire is so rudely fashioned, that in the greater part of the species, it may be said to be almost shapeless. The shells are covered with a smooth brown epidermis, which is, in adult individuals, more or less coated, (in some instances entirely) with a vitreous covering or enamel-like glaze, probably secreted by the mantle. The columella is curved, and the base deeply emarginate. » – Broderip & Sowerby: Species Conchyliorum vol.I part1, London 1830, Cymba p.4.