European abalone (Haliotis tuberculata)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Haliotis tuberculata
- Common name
- European abalone
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Haliotidae
- Genus
- Haliotis
- Size
- 6–12 cm
- Depth
- 0–40 m
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky
- Behaviours
- nocturnal, herbivorous, camouflage
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Haliotis tuberculata, the European abalone, reaches 12 cm, a flattened oval shell with 6 to 9 aligned respiratory holes, red-brown to green exterior often encrusted with algae (camouflage), interior of iridescent mother-of-pearl. Nocturnal red-algae grazer. Highly sought for its flesh: populations in sharp decline in Brittany, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, subject to strict size limits and quotas. Classified Vulnerable.
Photo of European abalone
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the European abalone?
- European abalone (Haliotis tuberculata) reaches 6–12 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the European abalone?
- European abalone is found between 0–40 m deep.
- Is the European abalone dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the European abalone?
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
- Where can you find the European abalone?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Similar species
- Aliger gigas - Queen conch
- Chromodoris magnifica - Magnificent chromodoris
- Phorcus turbinatus - Turbinate monodont
- Octopus vulgaris - Common octopus
- Hypselodoris picta - Painted hypselodoris
- Felimida purpurea - Purple doris
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 140059)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2293076)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia