This species is common under rocks subtidally, where it can be found in groups. It is usually a mid-brown in colour, with prominent spiral ribs. It is recognisable by its pattern of alternating black and white spiral dashes, although this pattern can be less obvious in darker individuals. It is easily confused with Notogibbula lehmanni, a similar species tha can be differentiated by its more upright whorls and the presence of other colours, notably a reddish tinge on and around the underside.