Photo 2938684, (c) memopob, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by memopob

Attribution © memopob
some rights reserved
Uploaded by memopob memopob
Source iNaturalist NZ
Associated observations

Photos / Sounds

Observer

memopob

Date

January 2016

Description

Massive fossil oyster, originally identified for me by Cawthron in the 1960's. Name has possibly now become obselete.
Shell thickness of over 20mm may have developed as protection against predators with powerful jaws. Being laminated in layers making it incredibly resistant to attack. The clearly visible hinge is quite worn suggesting the shell may have suffered 'beach wear' before becoming cemented into the substrate.

Associated taxa
Sizes