New Zealand Paua Shell

Paua, a shell fish species of abolone(Haliotis iris) found in the coastal waters of New Zealand, has always been prized because of the spectacular colours of it's shell, particularly those found in the Southern regions of New Zealand. These colours are revealed after removing the outside layer of calcified shell. Paua can grow up to 20cm. in length. Across the back of the shell a distinctive row of holes are used for expelling water.Their main predators are man, as they are considered good eating by some and certain species of star fish.