ARABIC VOLUTE

(Alcithoe arabica).

This handsome shellfish lives, half buried in sand, from low water to a considerable depth. The shell, easily recognised by the spiral twists on the pillar, grows up to 6 in. in height, and it is variously marked in patterns of reddish-brown bands and zigzag markings. The Maori name is pupu rore.

by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.