Black Abalone
NameBlack Abalone
Scientific NameHaliotis cracherodii
Common NameBlack Abalone
FamilyHaliotidae
GenusHaliotis
Speciescracherodii
Geographic DistributionPacific coast of North America, ranging from Oregon to Baja California, Mexico.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)150
Identifying FeaturesSmooth, dark exterior shell (when clean), and a prominent row of 5-9 open respiratory pores (tremata) along the left margin. The overall flattened, oval shape is also characteristic.
Author CitationLeach, 1814
Description
A marine gastropod mollusk characterized by a large, flattened, ear-shaped shell. The exterior is typically dark and often encrusted with marine organisms, while the interior boasts a vibrant iridescent nacre. A distinctive row of open respiratory pores (tremata) runs along the shell's left margin.
