• Dentalium is commonly known as tusk shell. Since the shell of Dentalium resembles miniature elephant tusks, therefore, it is called elephant's tusk shell.

• Body is bilaterally symmetrical and enclosed in a tubular shell open at both ends.

• Mantle folds are fused ventrally to form a tube enclosing the body.

• Head is vestigial, bearing the mouth which is surrounded by a circlet of retractile tentacles, the captacula with sucker-like ends.

• Foot is long and conical, protrudes through the anterior opening of the shell and is used in burrowing.