Tuatua
Maori name:
Scientific name: Paphies subtriangulata, P. donacina
Availability: Year round
Weight:
Length: 5–8cm diameter
Tuatua
Scientific name: Paphies subtriangulata, P. donacina
Availability: Year round
Length: 5–8cm diameter
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General
Location
P. subtriangulata occurs around the North Island and P. donacina around the South Island. Both species can be found on Cook Strait beaches.
Attributes
They can move up and down the beach (usually at night) when the tide is favourable and burrow once the tide changes. They have short siphons and do not burrow deeply. The two species are currently not differentiated at harvest.
Family
Tuatua belong to the Mesodesmatidae family (clams).
Related species:
Two closely-related species are harvested as Tuatua: P. subtriangulata and P. donacina. P. subtriangulata has parallel top and bottom edges. P. donacina has a bright, cream-coloured shell.
Sustainability
Tuatua are managed under the Quota Management System (QMS). They are harvested year round.
Fishing methods
They are harvested year-round.
