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Massive fossil oyster, originally identified for me by Cawthron in the 1960's. Name has possibly now become obselete. Shell thickness of over 20mm may have developed as protection against predators with powerful jaws. Being laminated in layers making it incredibly resistant to attack. The clearly visible hinge is quite worn suggesting the shell may have suffered 'beach wear' before becoming cemented into the substrate.
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NZ flat oyster Upper shell. And cockle.
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NZ flat oyster Upper shell. And cockle.
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Shells on Purau beach.
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Shells on Purau beach.
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Shells on Purau beach.
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Two oysters back to back
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Deep shell attaches, flat lid. with black rock, lighter than you would expect (but does not float in fresh water). poor quality snowflake obsidian? with pumice inside to make light?? Looks more like wet coal (but absolutely clean, hard, no crumble at all).
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Deep shell attaches, flat lid. with black rock, lighter than you would expect (but does not float in fresh water). poor quality snowflake obsidian? with pumice inside to make light?? Looks more like wet coal (but absolutely clean, hard, no crumble at all).
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Marine delicacy.Other valve is pretty much flat.
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Marine delicacy.Other valve is pretty much flat.
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a cluster of juvenile bluff oysters sighted at low tide
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