Minimum legal size 100mm shell diameter; this size restriction is sometimes removed for commercial fisheries and scallops as small as 85mm are taken. Found only in New Zealand but similar species occur elsewhere. Shell colour may be brown, orange, yellow, pink or flesh coloured. The upper valve of the shell is flat, the lower dished. Distributed all around New Zealand but no very extensive grounds are known. Populations have declined in recent years.
Main commercial fisheries are in Northland, Coromandel, and Nelson/Marlborough; the Nelson fishery being the most important. Taken commercially by dredging at depths of 10-30 m. Resource very volatile and difficult to manage.Catch subject to restricted seasons and quota. Commercial season varies with locality and condition of shellfish; usually July/August to February. A moderate resource.
