Tuatua
Maori Name: Tuatua
Latin Name: Paphies subtriangulata, P. donacina
Length: 5–8cm diameter
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.
P. subtriangulata occurs around the North Island and P. donacina around the South Island. Both species can be found on Cook Strait beaches.
Tuatua are managed under the Quota Management System (QMS). They are harvested year round.
They are harvested year-round.
Tuatua can burrow very quickly, making it a challenge to dig for at times. It also squirts water when threatened.
Tuatua is a good source of Vitamin B12, Iron, Iodine, Manganese, Selenium; and a source of Riboflavin, Niacin (Vitamin B3),Magnesium, Phosphorus
Seafood is a highly nutritious food and is a great source of protein. Many species are low in saturated fat and a number of them are a good source of Omega 3.
Wild Caught
Farmed