Above and below: specimens in natural condition. 178-183mm.

Typically striated muscle scars in adult iris.

"Prepared" Paua for shell craft & souvenir shops (dorsum and lip partially polished).
The blue iridescent nacre varies little from a shell to an other. 132mm.

Under rock ledges, at 5m deep, Kaikoura, South Island. 119mm.

Younger specimen from Paihia, Bay of Islands, North Island. 91mm. From coll. ernest Zurrer (NZ).

A specimen collected at 5m deep, Riverton, Southland, South Island.
130mm. Original picture © R. Kershaw.

Dark specimen.
145mm. Original picture © F. Frydman.