Description
Haliotis snails, commonly known as abalone, are marine gastropods characterized by their single, smooth, and ear-shaped shell. They have a strong, muscular foot that they use to cling to rocks and other surfaces. The shell exterior is often smooth and covered by the mantle, making encrustations less common. Abalone also have a distinct row of breathing holes on their shell, which can vary in number and shape depending on the species.
Shell Characteristics:
-
Shape: Oval or elongated, with a relatively flat shell.
-
Surface: Smooth, with varying degrees of striations or ribs.
-
Color: Can range from dark green, blue, or black to reddish-brown, olive, or brown, with varying patterns and colors.
-
Perforations: A series of breathing holes (perforations) on the shell, typically on the left side, allow for water intake.
-
Inner Surface: Iridescent nacre that lines the inside of the shell, often with shades of pink, red, green, or blue.
Other Features:
-
Foot: Large, muscular foot used for attachment to substrates and movement.
-
Radula: A tongue-like band with many small teeth (radula) for scraping algae.
-
Gills: Symmetrical and well-developed gills for respiration.
-
Head: Head-lobes are fimbriated, and side-lobes are also fimbriated and cirrated.
-
Spire: The spire (apex of the shell) can be prominent or concealed, depending on the species
