Galapagos abalone
NameGalapagos abalone
Scientific NameHaliotis dalli
Common NameGalapagos abalone
FamilyHaliotidae
GenusHaliotis
SpeciesHaliotis dalli
Geographic DistributionEastern Pacific Ocean, primarily found around the Galapagos Islands, but also reported from Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)30-80
Identifying FeaturesA distinctive row of open respiratory pores (tremata) along the shell margin (typically 5-7 pores), a flattened ear-like shape, and a brilliantly iridescent nacreous interior. Its relatively small size compared to many other abalone species is also a key feature.
Raritycommon
Author CitationHenderson, 1915
Description
The Galapagos abalone is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Haliotidae. It is characterized by its flattened, ear-shaped shell with a row of respiratory pores and a brilliantly iridescent nacreous interior. The exterior is typically camouflaged to blend with its rocky, algal habitat.
