This species is widespread in the central Indo-Pacific region, from the east coast of Africa eastward to the central Pacific Ocean, and north as far as Japan.
The shell of this species is very large and heavy, with an average length of 10 to 15 centimetres (3.9 to 5.9 in), but shells can reach a maximum length of 30 centimetres (12 in).
The shell is rounded in shape, smooth and shiny, and varies in colour from pale beige or cream to pale orange-brown. The shell is patterned with a series of transverse ridges and grooves, and often has a prominent spiral band of reddish-brown colouration around the middle of the shell. The inner lip of the shell is white and smooth, and is often edged with a thin band of reddish-brown colouration.
The animal is a carnivorous predator and feeds on a variety of benthic invertebrates, including bivalves, gastropods and echinoderms.
The admiral shell is a popular species for shell collectors and is often used in jewellery and other decorative items.