Large, moderately inflated shell, roundly oval in outline, with a deeply curved margin. The urface is covered with fine growth lines. The posterior edges of the shell do not close. It is off-white to grey or very pale brown, with a light grey-brown periostracum (skin) on the surface. Shell Length to 60mm.

Common in the mid to low tide zone of harbours and estuaries. Buried in soft mud, 10-30 cm deep.

Filters phytoplankton out of the water.

Broadcast spawner.

Coastal Marine inverts (2) Maori dict (3rd)
Photo Credit: Rod Morris. Photos available from www.rodmorris.co.nz