Flat Abalone, also known as the Earshell or Ormer
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Lepetellida, Family: Haliotidae, Genus: Haliotis, Species: Haliotis spadicea · Haliotidae (Abalone family) · Gastropod (univalve with a flattened, auriform shape). This is a whole shell showing the interior ventral view.
Species
Haliotis spadicea (Blood-spotted Abalone / South African Flat Abalone), Confidence: 85%
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve with a flattened, auriform shape). This is a whole shell showing the interior ventral view.
Family
Haliotidae (Abalone family)
Size
Approximately 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6.5 to 9 cm). This is within the standard adult range for this species, which generally reaches a maximum of 4 inches (10 cm).
Color & Pattern
The interior features a brilliant, highly iridescent nacreous (mother-of-pearl) layer with a complex play of silver, pink, blue, and green. The exterior (visible through the respiratory pores) appears reddish-brown. The interior muscle scar is not strongly defined, typical of this species.
Rarity
Common (in its native range) but Uncommon as a worldwide beach find outside of Southern Africa. It is frequently seen in specialized collections.
Habitat
Marine; found in the low intertidal zone and shallow subtidal waters, usually attached to rocky reefs and under stones in areas with strong wave action.
Geographic Range
Endemic to the coasts of South Africa, ranging from Zwaanswynsteijn to the KwaZulu-Natal south coast.
Description
An oval, ear-shaped shell characterized by its low, flattened profile and a series of slightly elevated respiratory pores along the left margin. The interior surface is smooth and pearly, often exhibiting fine concentric growth lines and wavy ridges that enhance its iridescence. The outer lip is thin and relatively smooth, reflecting its adaptation for clinging tightly to rocks.
Key Features
Ear-like shape; flattened profile; a row of 5 to 8 open respiratory pores; iridescent nacreous interior; a lack of a central muscle scar found in larger abalone; characteristic reddish-brown exterior spots visible through the shell wall.
Collector Value
Low to Moderate ($5 - $20 USD). While beautiful, this is a relatively common species. Value increases for specimens with clean, undamaged margins and exceptionally bright iridescence.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The nacre is well-preserved with excellent luster. However, there is visible sand and debris accumulation in the crevices, and the outer margins appear slightly chipped. No significant predator boring is evident.
Interesting Facts
Abalones are primitive snails that breathe and excrete waste through the row of 'chimney' holes in their shells. As the animal grows, older holes are filled in and new ones are formed. Their blood is blue-green, containing hemocyanin rather than hemoglobin.
Ecological Role
Abalones are primary grazers, consuming algae and kelp from rock surfaces. They serve as a food source for octopuses, sea stars, and lobsters. This species is not currently listed as endangered, unlike its larger relative Haliotis midae, which is heavily poached.
Similar Species
Haliotis midae (Perlemoen) which is much larger and more rugose; Haliotis tuberculata (European Ormer) which has a more elongated, narrower shape and different pore structure.
Beach Finding Tips
Best found by searching rocky tide pools at low spring tides. Look under overhangs and inside crevices where the animal may have detached, or search the 'shell wash' lines on nearby sandy beaches after a heavy swell.