Pipi belong to the Mesodesmatidae family (clams) and are about 4–6cm long
Did you know: I’m a little fish that lives inside a shell. To eat I use my strong foot to burrow 10cm deep into the sand. I strain the water to find food particles like phytoplankton. As a filter feeder, I help keep the water clean which is important for the ecosystem.
My super power is: I can create a thread of mucus to make myself float in the water and move to a new location
I help the eco system as a food source in the marine food chain and help clean the ocean by filter feeding.
I am a Taonga species central to the identity and well being of many Māori and are a significant mahinga kai (food).