perlemoen
Nameperlemoen
Scientific NameHaliotis midae
Common NameAbalone, Perlemoen, South African Abalone
FamilyHaliotidae
GenusHaliotis
Speciesmidae
Geographic DistributionEndemic to the coast of South Africa, ranging from the Cape Peninsula to Transkei.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)Typically grows to 120-150 mm, but can reach up to 230 mm in length.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive low, ear-shaped shell; a row of 6-9 open respiratory pores (tremata) along the outer margin; a rough, undulating, and corrugated exterior sculpture; and a highly iridescent nacreous interior.
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
The exterior of an abalone shell, characterized by its low, ear-shaped profile, a series of open respiratory pores (tremata) along the outer margin, and a rough, corrugated surface. The coloration is typically dull, featuring shades of reddish-brown, green, and grey, often with encrustations and algal growth.
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