venus ear
Namevenus ear
Scientific NameHaliotis asinina
Common NameAss's Ear Abalone, Venus Ear Abalone
FamilyHaliotidae
GenusHaliotis
Speciesasinina
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia (Queensland), and other tropical waters.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)Typically grows to 100-150 mm (4-6 inches) in length, with some specimens reaching up to 180 mm.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive elongated and flattened shape; a row of 5-7 open, raised respiratory pores (tremata) along the left margin; a very low, almost flat spire; and a highly iridescent nacreous interior. The exterior often has a rough texture.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
An elongated, flattened abalone shell, typically reddish-brown on the exterior, characterized by a prominent row of open respiratory pores along one edge and a low, spiral apex. The interior surface is highly iridescent, displaying a vibrant mother-of-pearl luster.
