Here is a complete and exclusive profile of Abalone, the remarkable marine snail known for its culinary, cultural, and ecological importance:
ЁЯРЪ ABALONE – Complete & Exclusive Profile
ЁЯзм 1. Scientific Classification
| Taxonomic Rank | Details |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Mollusca |
| Class | Gastropoda |
| Order | Vetigastropoda |
| Family | Haliotidae |
| Genus | Haliotis |
| Common Name | Abalone |
| Tamil Name | роЕрок்рокро▓ோрой் роирод்родை / роХроЯро▓் роирод்родை |
| Japanese Name | уВвуГпуГУ (Awabi) |
| Chinese Name | щ▓Нщ▒╝ (B├аo y├║) |
ЁЯМК 2. Physical Description
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Shell: Flattened, ear-shaped, spiral shell with iridescent nacre (mother-of-pearl) inside.
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Size: Ranges from 2 cm to 30 cm long depending on species.
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Color: Exterior is dull (brown, green, black) but interior is shimmering rainbow-like.
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Breathing pores: Line of respiratory holes along shell edge (6–9 holes).
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Foot: Strong, muscular foot used to cling to rocks.
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Eyes: Two small, stalked eyes and tentacles.
ЁЯМН 3. Habitat & Distribution
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Rocky coastal areas, kelp forests |
| Depth | 1 to 40 meters (intertidal to shallow subtidal) |
| Geographic Range | Worldwide (especially in cold waters) |
| Major Countries | USA (California), South Africa, Australia, Japan, Chile, New Zealand |
ЁЯН╜️ 4. Culinary Importance
Abalone is considered a luxury delicacy, especially in East Asia.
| Region | Culinary Use |
|---|---|
| Japan | Sashimi, grilled (Awabi) |
| China | Braised abalone, dried abalone (high value) |
| Korea | Abalone porridge (Jeonbok-juk) |
| USA/Europe | Steaks, chowders |
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Texture: Firm, chewy, similar to scallops or squid.
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Flavor: Mild, sweet, and umami-rich.
ЁЯТ╕ One kilogram of dried abalone can cost thousands of dollars!
ЁЯТО 5. Shell & Jewelry Value
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Inner nacre (mother-of-pearl) is highly iridescent.
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Used for:
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Jewelry: Earrings, pendants
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Inlays: Guitar decoration, furniture, art
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Ornaments and spiritual items (used in smudging rituals)
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ЁЯФБ 6. Life Cycle
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Spawning | External fertilization in water |
| Larvae | Free-swimming trochophore larvae |
| Settlement | Settle on hard surfaces and metamorphose |
| Maturity | Takes 3–7 years depending on species |
| Lifespan | 10–40 years in wild |
ЁЯжа 7. Diet
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Strictly herbivorous.
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Feeds on:
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Kelp
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Algae
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Biofilm on rocks
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Abalone uses a radula (toothed tongue) to scrape off food.
⚠️ 8. Threats & Conservation
| Threat | Impact |
|---|---|
| Overfishing | Major cause of population decline |
| Poaching/Illegal trade | High market value makes it a target |
| Habitat destruction | Pollution, ocean warming |
| Diseases (WS-RLO, Withering Syndrome) | Affects digestive and foot tissue |
ЁЯЫб️ Conservation Efforts
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CITES listing for some species (e.g., Haliotis midae)
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Marine Protected Areas
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Abalone farming/aquaculture
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Strict fishing quotas and seasonal bans
ЁЯзк 9. Species of Interest
| Species | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Haliotis rufescens | California | Red abalone – largest species |
| Haliotis midae | South Africa | Most farmed abalone |
| Haliotis discus | Japan/Korea | Very popular in East Asian cuisine |
| Haliotis laevigata | Australia | Greenlip abalone – prized shell |
ЁЯзл 10. Aquaculture
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Farming methods:
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Onshore tanks
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Cage culture in sea
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Fed on:
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Formulated pellets
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Seaweed
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Farmed abalone is safer and helps reduce wild harvesting.
ЁЯТК 11. Medicinal and Cultural Uses
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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
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Improves eyesight, treats dizziness, skin ailments
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Spiritual use:
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Abalone shells used in smudging rituals to hold sage
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Nutritional value:
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High in protein, Omega-3, selenium, vitamin B12, low in fat
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ЁЯза 12. Fascinating Facts
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Known as “sea ears” due to ear-like shape.
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Abalone can regenerate parts of their shell and soft tissue.
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Have highly prized pearls (rare, found inside).
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Extremely strong grip—can resist removal from rocks.
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Indigenous cultures used abalone shells as currency and tools.
ЁЯУЬ Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Abalone |
| Family | Haliotidae |
| Lifespan | 10–40 years |
| Diet | Algae, kelp |
| Economic Role | Gourmet food, jewelry, aquaculture |
| Conservation Status | Several species threatened |
| Key Producers | China, South Africa, Australia |
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This in Tamil?
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