Red Abalone

Red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) is the largest abalone species in the world. They are native to the West Coast ranging from Oregon to Baja California and live in rocky intertidal to shallow sub-tidal habitats. A type of marine snail, a red abalone has a single shell that is ear-shaped with three to four oval holes. The snails grow slowly, typically about an inch a year under the most favorable conditions, and reach sexual maturity at a size of one and a half to three inches long. Fully grown abalone can reach more than a foot (12 inches) in length. Abalone are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm directly into the water for fertilization. Red abalone, as their name indicates, have shells that are often reddish on top, although shell color can vary and is influenced by what the snails are eating. The undersides of the shells are highly prized for their iridescent mother-of-pearl. Red abalone feed primarily on large kelp as adults and smaller algae when younger. They have several natural predators including sea stars, octopus, crabs, lobsters, fishes and sea otters.

Overall availability

Red abalone are grown in California. Farmed red abalone are available year-round. They are typically sold live, but some farms may provide a processed, pre-cooked product.

Management

Red abalone are grown onshore in tanks and nearshore off piers. Commercial shellfish aquaculture is managed by a variety of agencies such as the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Army Corp of Engineers, local, state and federal Departments of Public Health and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. Learn more about commercial shellfish aquaculture.