DSC_3563 Battleaxe clam, or pakira (Myadora striata) showing exterior of the flat left valve, and exterior of the convex right valve, with the distinctive truncate posterior end above (partially buried in sand). The shells are roughly triangular, with a rounded anterior end, and the distinctive truncate posterior end. Found from the low intertidal to at least 30m. Horseshoe Bay, Stewart Island
DSC_3593 Battleaxe clam, or pakira (Myadora striata) showing the distinctive truncate posterior end. The shells are roughly triangular, with a rounded anterior end, and the distinctive posterior end. Found from the low intertidal to at least 30m. Horseshoe Bay, Stewart Island
DSC_3828 Reef octopus, or wheke (Macroctopus maorum) a massive bodied, long armed octopus of highly variable colour - depending on its 'mood'. Most frequently encountered on soft substrate, and particularly on scallop beds. Prefers to make it's lair in an excavation on the sea floor. Typically the lair entrance is surrounded by the empty shells of its prey. Brighton Beach *