Red Abalone (also known as Giant Abalone)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Vetigastropoda, Family: Haliotidae, Genus: Haliotis, Species: Haliotis rufescens · Haliotidae (Abalone family) · Gastropod (univalve) with a flattened, ear-shaped spiral form and open respiratory pores
Species
Haliotis rufescens
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve) with a flattened, ear-shaped spiral form and open respiratory pores
Family
Haliotidae (Abalone family)
Size
Approximately 3 to 4 inches visible in the display, which is a medium-sized juvenile or adult specimen; mature wild red abalones typically range from 7 to 10 inches.
Color & Pattern
Exterior features a brick-red to reddish-brown coloration with fine growth lines, while the interior displays a brilliant, iridescent mother-of-pearl (nacre) featuring swirling pastel tones of silver, pink, green, and blue.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare depending on local conservation regulations and specific beach accessibility, as wild harvesting is heavily restricted.
Habitat
Found in rocky subtidal environments, typically clinging to hard rock surfaces in kelp forests from the intertidal zone down to depths of about 60 feet.
Geographic Range
Found along the Pacific coast of North America, ranging primarily from British Columbia, Canada, down to Baja California, Mexico, with greatest abundance along the coast of central and northern California.
Description
A stunning, ear-shaped marine univalve showcasing a broad, flattened profile with a series of open respiratory holes along the margin. The outer surface exhibits rugged reddish growth lines, while the interior radiates an unmistakable, shimmering mother-of-pearl iridescence that captures and reflects light brilliantly.
Key Features
Distinguished by its broad ear-shaped aperture, a row of 3 to 4 slightly raised open respiratory pores (tremata) along the left margin, and an interior lined with thick, colorful mother-of-pearl.
Collector Value
Highly sought after by shell and mineral collectors for their magnificent interior iridescence. Values vary widely based on size, species, and polish quality, typically ranging from moderate to high for large, pristine specimens.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears polished or well-preserved with a clean interior nacre showing strong iridescence, rated as a Fine collectible grade display piece.
Interesting Facts
Abalone are famous for producing some of the world's finest pearls and most dazzling mother-of-pearl nacre. Their muscular foot is also prized as a gourmet seafood delicacy, leading to extensive historical harvesting and conservation protections.
Ecological Role
Red abalones are herbivorous grazers that feed primarily on drift kelp and algae, playing an important role in maintaining healthy kelp forest ecosystems along the Pacific coast.
Similar Species
Green Abalone (Haliotis fulgens) and Black Abalone (Haliotis cracherodii), which can be distinguished by their exterior coloration, number of open respiratory holes, and the specific texture of their shell margins.
Beach Finding Tips
Finding a whole, intact abalone shell while beachcombing is quite rare due to wave action shattering their broad structures; most quality specimens come from regulated dives or old collections.