Columbella fuscata is a small marine gastropod commonly found along the eastern Pacific coast, especially in rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. It has a slender, elongated shell with a smooth to finely textured surface, typically coloured dark brown to purplish or black, often with lighter bands or markings. The aperture is narrow and elongated, with a thickened outer lip that may show fine internal teeth, a characteristic feature of dove snails (family Columbellidae). This species is active and agile, often seen crawling over rocks and algae, where it feeds on microalgae, detritus, and small organic matter, playing a role in the intertidal ecosystem as a scavenger and grazer.