A large pale red brachiopod. When observed from the rear it has a curved outline (like a parabola). The valves are smooth.

Found on a variety of substrates from solid rock platforms and walls to coarse sandy rubble.

They are filter feeders. They feed and breathe using an unusual ciliated ribbon called the lophopore.

This is the largest brachiopod in New Zealand, which is often found on the oyster beds of Foveaux Strait. They are not related to bivalve molluscs and have been around for millions of years (longer than bivalve molluscs).

Gordon D. P. (ed) (2009) NZ Inventory of Biodiversity; Vol 1 Kingdom Animalia. Canterbury University Press.