Tuatua: Difference between revisions
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{{ | {{Short description|Species of edible clam native to New Zealand}} | ||
{{Taxobox | {{Taxobox | ||
| name = Tuatua | | name = Tuatua | ||
| image = Paphies_subtriangulata_(Wood,_1828)_(AM_MA104395-3).jpg | | image = Paphies_subtriangulata_(Wood,_1828)_(AM_MA104395-3).jpg | ||
| image_caption = | | image_caption = Tuatua | ||
| regnum = [[Animalia]] | |||
| phylum = [[Mollusca]] | |||
| classis = [[Bivalvia]] | |||
| ordo = [[Veneroida]] | |||
| familia = [[Mesodesmatidae]] | |||
| genus = ''[[Paphies]]'' | |||
| species = '''''P. subtriangulata''''' | |||
| binomial = ''Paphies subtriangulata'' | |||
| binomial_authority = (Wood, 1828) | |||
}} | }} | ||
''' | The '''tuatua''' (''Paphies subtriangulata'') is a species of edible [[clam]], a marine [[bivalve mollusc]] in the family [[Mesodesmatidae]], endemic to [[New Zealand]]. | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
The tuatua has a smooth, elongated shell that is typically white or cream in color. The shell | [[File:Ohope_Tua_Tuas.JPG|thumb|right|Tuatua shells on a beach]] | ||
The tuatua has a smooth, elongated shell that is typically white or cream in color. The shell is slightly triangular in shape, which is reflected in its scientific name, ''subtriangulata''. The interior of the shell is often tinged with yellow or pink. Tuatua can grow to a length of about 7 to 8 centimeters. | |||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
Tuatua are found in | Tuatua are found in sandy beaches around New Zealand, where they live buried in the sand. They are commonly found in the intertidal zone, where they can be exposed during low tide. Tuatua are filter feeders, drawing in water and filtering out plankton and other small particles for food. | ||
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
Tuatua are endemic to New Zealand and are found on both the North and South Islands. They are particularly abundant on the west coast beaches of the North Island. | |||
== | ==Culinary Use== | ||
Tuatua are | Tuatua are highly prized as a delicacy in New Zealand. They are often collected by hand during low tide. The clams can be eaten raw, steamed, or used in various dishes such as chowders and fritters. The flavor of tuatua is considered to be sweet and delicate. | ||
==Conservation== | ==Conservation== | ||
While tuatua are not currently considered endangered, their populations can be affected by overharvesting and habitat degradation. Sustainable harvesting practices are encouraged to ensure that tuatua remain | While tuatua are not currently considered endangered, their populations can be affected by overharvesting and habitat degradation. Sustainable harvesting practices are encouraged to ensure that tuatua populations remain healthy. | ||
==Related pages== | ==Related pages== | ||
* [[Pipi (bivalve)]] | * [[Pipi (bivalve)]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Toheroa]] | ||
* [[Clam]] | |||
* | |||
[[Category:Bivalves of New Zealand]] | [[Category:Bivalves of New Zealand]] | ||
[[Category:Edible molluscs]] | [[Category:Edible molluscs]] | ||
[[Category:Mesodesmatidae]] | [[Category:Mesodesmatidae]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:44, 23 March 2025
Species of edible clam native to New Zealand
The tuatua (Paphies subtriangulata) is a species of edible clam, a marine bivalve mollusc in the family Mesodesmatidae, endemic to New Zealand.
Description[edit]
The tuatua has a smooth, elongated shell that is typically white or cream in color. The shell is slightly triangular in shape, which is reflected in its scientific name, subtriangulata. The interior of the shell is often tinged with yellow or pink. Tuatua can grow to a length of about 7 to 8 centimeters.
Habitat[edit]
Tuatua are found in sandy beaches around New Zealand, where they live buried in the sand. They are commonly found in the intertidal zone, where they can be exposed during low tide. Tuatua are filter feeders, drawing in water and filtering out plankton and other small particles for food.
Distribution[edit]
Tuatua are endemic to New Zealand and are found on both the North and South Islands. They are particularly abundant on the west coast beaches of the North Island.
Culinary Use[edit]
Tuatua are highly prized as a delicacy in New Zealand. They are often collected by hand during low tide. The clams can be eaten raw, steamed, or used in various dishes such as chowders and fritters. The flavor of tuatua is considered to be sweet and delicate.
Conservation[edit]
While tuatua are not currently considered endangered, their populations can be affected by overharvesting and habitat degradation. Sustainable harvesting practices are encouraged to ensure that tuatua populations remain healthy.
