Catalog Number:
401707
Object/Specimen Description:

This object is a green abalone (Haliotis fulgens). This species has a very narrow range and is distributed from Point Concepcion, California, to Bahia de Magdalena, Baja, Mexico. Chances are that this specimen came from California. This species is presently considered a species of concern under the Endangered Species Act, having experienced significant population declines due to overfishing among other causes. The exterior shell is a mottled grey and brown, with some "rainbow" or opal colored flecks. The interior is an opalescent in color. There are five holes (part of the shell's construction) along one edge. This object is approximately 23 cm x 20 cm x7 cm in size.

Specimen Count:
1
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.