Red Abalone [Haliotis rufescens]
Description
Red Abalone is a species of marine gastropod mollusk native to the Pacific coast of North America. It has the largest shell size of any abalone species, reaching up to 12 inches. Its shell is red and oval-shaped with a row of respiratory pores. This species prefers rocky substrates in the subtidal zone, where it feeds on kelp. It is considered a delicacy and has been over-harvested.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Gastropods
Gastropoda
|
| Order |
Vetigastropoda
Vetigastropoda
|
| Family |
Abalones
Haliotidae
|
| Genus |
Abalone
Haliotis
|