Paphies subtriangulata (W. Wood 1828)

the photo shows tuatua shells in amongst what our guide, Roger Grace, called pseudo feases; silt filtered by shellfish.

the photo shows tuatua shells in amongst what our guide, Roger Grace, called pseudo feases; silt filtered by shellfish.

Found washed up on the beach.

Found washed up on the beach.

Found washed up on the beach.

Found on the beach.

Found on the beach.

sandy shore

Tuatua shell washed up on the beach.

Baby tuatua practising tongue stands.

Baby tuatua practising tongue stands.

Tuatua. Probably New Zealand's commonest seashell or at least a close rival to the Pipi. One of the principal species found in ancient Maori middens. Easily obtained at low tide on many sandy beaches. Easily distinguished from the Pipi by the off-set hinge.

Northern tuatua at top. 60 x 40 x 12hi for half (Southern tuatua Paphies donacina at bottom 60 x 40 x 8 )

Northern tuatua at top. 60 x 40 x 12hi for half (Southern tuatua Paphies donacina at bottom 60 x 40 x 8 )

Why are the Pipi shells here red

New Zealand, Marlborough, Awatere Co., Marfells Beach, E of Grassmere Saltworks to lighthouse (Cape Campbell), sand and gravel beach with rocky headlands, sheltered from S storms, collected 3rd March 1995, ex coll. F.J.A. Slieker Jr.. Image by Joop Trausel and Frans Slieker