Description:
Ivory ceriths reach a size of 0.75 - 1 inch, occasionally growing to 1.5 inches.  Shell shape can be somewhat variable, yet shells are always elongate, have 6-7 body whorls, with each whorl having 4-6 beaded, spiral rows.  The middle row of beading is slightly larger than the others.  Shell color is variable ranging from white or cream through shades of brown or brown-red.  The shell aperture is oval, covered by an oval operculum that has an elongate spiral pattern in it.  The siphonal canal is short and twisted slightly to the left. 

Habitat:
Ivory ceriths are abundant in the sands and mud of the shallow intertidal zone. 

Similar Species:
The dwarf cerith, Cerithium lutosum,  is quite similar in appearance, but grows only to 0.5 inches in length.  The stocky cerith, Cerithium litteratum, is approximately the same size and has similar features and coloration, but it is not as elongate as the ivory cerith. 

Range:  
Ivory ceriths range from southeastern Florida through the Bahamas and Greater Antilles.