HELMET SHELL

(Xenophalium pyrum).

This fish has a handsome smooth shell, 2–2 ½ in. in height, pale yellowish-brown to pinkish, with a row of small knobs around the shoulder. The animal has a horny operculum shaped like an open fan. They live in sand on open beaches from shallow water to a depth of about 50 fm. They are often seen on Ninety Mile Beach, Bay of Plenty, Port Waikato, and Waikanae.

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