Red Abalone (also known as Giant Abalone)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Vetigastropoda, Family: Haliotidae, Genus: Haliotis, Species: H. rufescens · Haliotidae (Abalone family) · Gastropod (univalve), whole shell, ear-shaped or oval shape
Species
Haliotis rufescens
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve), whole shell, ear-shaped or oval shape
Family
Haliotidae (Abalone family)
Size
Approximately 4 to 5 inches based on scale, which is medium-sized for this species. Adults typically range from 6 to 10 inches, with exceptionally large specimens reaching up to 12 inches.
Color & Pattern
The interior (nacre) shown in the image exhibits brilliant, highly iridescent mother-of-pearl with vibrant flashes of pink, green, gold, blue, and silver. The exterior of a Red Abalone is typically brick-red to reddish-brown, often overgrown with marine growth in nature, though this specimen has been polished or thoroughly cleaned to reveal the interior nacre.
Rarity
Common in its native range, though strict fishing regulations and population declines due to overfishing and disease make wild-harvested large specimens heavily regulated and increasingly protected.
Habitat
Found in cold, rocky marine waters along the coastline, typically inhabiting rocky kelp forests from the intertidal zone down to depths of about 50 feet (15 meters).
Geographic Range
Northeastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from the coast of Oregon down through California and into Baja California, Mexico.
Description
This is a stunning specimen of an ear-shaped marine snail shell, viewed from the interior. It features a wide, open aperture and a spectacular, highly polished nacreous interior that shimmers with rainbow iridescence. A series of open respiratory pores (respiratory holes) runs along the margin, which the living animal uses for respiration and waste elimination.
Key Features
Distinguished by its broad ear shape, flat spire, a row of 3 to 5 open raised respiratory holes (trephine holes) near the outer margin, and an intensely iridescent nacreous interior lacking a true operculum.
Collector Value
Moderately high, especially for large, well-polished, or pristine natural specimens. Prices can range from $20 to over $100 depending on size, color vibrancy, and provenance. They are extremely popular staples in shell shops and craft markets.
Condition Notes
The interior nacre is in excellent condition with vivid color play and no major structural fractures. The shell appears to be a whole, mature adult specimen that has been expertly cleaned and polished, grading as Fine to Gem condition.
Interesting Facts
Abalone meat is considered a high-end culinary delicacy across the world. Their inner shell layer (nacre) is extensively used in jewelry, inlay work for musical instruments like guitars, and decorative arts. They cling to rocks with immense muscular suction power.
Ecological Role
Abalones are vital primary consumers in kelp forest ecosystems, grazing on drifting kelp and algae. They serve as prey for sea otters, large fish, and octopuses. Due to historical overharvesting and disease, many abalone populations are heavily managed, and recreational or commercial collection is strictly regulated.
Similar Species
Green Abalone (Haliotis fulgens) which has a bluish-green nacre, and Black Abalone (Haliotis cracherodii) which has a darker interior and more numerous respiratory pores.
Beach Finding Tips
Finding a whole, intact abalone shell while beachcombing is rare because they live in rocky subtidal zones. They are more commonly found by divers or beachcombers scouring remote rocky shores after major storm events.