DSC_2382 Black brachiopod, or papa pouri (Notosaria nigricans) ventral view of empty shell washed up on reef. Remarkably, this species has survived, unchanged, on shallow reefs around New Zealand for approx 18.7 million years (since the Miocene!). Cat's Eye Point, Kakanui *
DSC_2218 Black brachiopod, or papa pouri (Notosaria nigricans) filter feeding. This particular species has survived, unchanged, on reefs around New Zealand for approx 18.7 million years (since the Miocene). Brachiopods can be found in high densities on the near vertical walls of Fiordlands fiords. Doubtful Sound, Fiordland *
DSC_4660 Black brachiopod, or papa pouri (Notosaria nigricans) dead shells washed ashore after storm. This particular species has survived, unchanged, on reefs around New Zealand for approx 18.7 million years (since the Miocene). All Day Bay, Kakanui