While most abalones are 4 to 10 inches long, the red abalone is the largest. Mostly found on the U.S. west coast, they are the only abalone in California that is permitted to be harvested (only non-commercially) due to the decrease of the general abalone population. This species usually lives for 30 to 35 years with a single shell (that grows with time) covering its entire body. Some remarkable features of abalones are their row of shell holes used for breathing, spawning, and waste excretion; and the layer of nacre (the material that pearls are made of) on the inside of the shell. When alarmed, the abalone clamps its shell down using its muscular foot, making it extremely hard to remove. This specimen measures around 17 x 19.5 cm. This description was written by high school intern Hansika in 2026.
- Catalog Number:
- 31925
- Object/Specimen Description:
- Specimen Count:
- 2
- Locality:
- US Pacific (CA, OR, WA)
- Collecting Locality:
- North America, United States, California
- Cabinet:
- 10
- Drawer/Shelf:
- 07
- Upper Level Taxonomy:
- Animalia, Mollusca, Gastropoda, Vetigastropoda, Archaeogastropoda, Haliotidae
The gastropods are the most diverse group of mollusks, and include snails, slugs, limpets, conchs, sea slugs, and others. They typically have a coiled body form with a twisted gut and nervous system. The coiling results in the unusual arrangement of their anus being above their head. Most have a corresponding coiled shell. Coils are added as the gastropod grows, and they tend to get larger, making a cone shape. Some shells are adorned with spines, grooves, or other textures that add strength. Many have a hard flap (operculum) on the foot that can be closed over the shell opening like a trap door. The shape of a gastropod shell often can be used to identify species. A gastropod's shell not only protects it from predation, but also keeps land species (terrestrial) from drying out. Some terrestrial gastropods that live in humid places, such as slugs, have a thin shell or no shell at all.