TRUMPET, LARGE

(Charonia capax).

This shellfish has a large trumpet shell growing to 8 in. or more in height. It is found adjacent to rocks within harbour entrances in clean-water situations. This and other species of trumpets found in our waters have had their origin in East Australian waters, from pelagic larvae that have been transported across the Tasman by the East Australian warm-water current. These shells were much prized by the Maoris who fashioned them into war trumpets.

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