Baby's Ear Abalone or Paper Ear Shell
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Vetigastropoda, Family: Haliotidae, Genus: Haliotis, Species: Haliotis tuberculata · Haliotidae (Abalone family) · Gastropod (univalve), whole shell, flattened ear-like shape
Species
Haliotis tuberculata (Green Ormer)
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve), whole shell, flattened ear-like shape
Family
Haliotidae (Abalone family)
Size
Approximately 1 inch in length, which is relatively small for this species. Adults typically range from 2 to 4 inches.
Color & Pattern
Uniform pale white to cream coloration, heavily sun-bleached with no remaining natural mottled green or brown patterns. Smooth interior with slight pearlescent nacre visible.
Rarity
Common in its native rocky intertidal zones, but finding a completely intact small specimen on sandy beaches is somewhat uncommon due to their fragile nature.
Habitat
Found in shallow subtidal to intertidal rocky shores, clinging to rocks and boulders in kelp-rich waters, typically from low water mark down to about 10 meters depth.
Geographic Range
Eastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the English Channel and the Mediterranean Sea down to the Canary Islands and West Africa.
Description
A small, delicate, ear-shaped marine snail shell featuring a flattened, wide aperture and a distinct row of respiratory holes along the margin. The exterior displays faint spiral sculpture and growth lines, heavily worn by wave action.
Key Features
Ear-like flattened shape, wide respiratory pore remnants near the margin, large open body whorl, and a lack of a true spire.
Collector Value
Low collector value due to its small size, heavy bleaching, and structural damage. It is a common beach find rather than a prized specimen.
Condition Notes
Fair condition; heavily sun-bleached and white with a noticeable puncture hole near the center, likely caused by a predatory snail or wave damage. Collectibility grade is Poor to Fair.
Interesting Facts
Abalones are famous for their iridescent mother-of-pearl (nacre) interiors, which are frequently used in jewelry and inlay work. The living animal moves with a muscular foot and grazes heavily on macroalgae.
Ecological Role
Haliotis species act as primary herbivores controlling macroalgae populations in rocky reef ecosystems. They serve as prey for various fish, crabs, and sea otters.
Similar Species
Haliotis cracherodii (Black Abalone) and Haliotis rufescens (Red Abalone), which are typically larger and found in different geographic regions like the Pacific.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along rocky shorelines, tide pools, and shell-heavy drift lines following high tides and storms, especially in areas with kelp forests nearby.