New Zealand Seashore

DSC_5553 Toheroa (Paphies ventricosa) buried deeply, up to 30 cm, in fine clean sand on open surf beaches. Now generally infrequent to rare, though they are common at some localities. The blue shell colouring is from the iron content of the sand. Main beds are along the west coast of the North Island and the south coast of the South Island. Ripiro Beach, Dargaville

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DSC_5553 Toheroa (Paphies ventricosa) buried deeply, up to 30 cm, in fine clean sand on open surf beaches. Now generally infrequent to rare, though they are common at some localities. The blue shell colouring is from the iron content of the sand. Main beds are along the west coast of the North Island and the south coast of the South Island. Ripiro Beach, Dargaville

DSC 5553 Toheroa Paphies ventricosa blue shell iron stain Ripiro Beach Dargaville