Abalone belong to the phylum
Mollusca, a group which includes clams, scallops, sea
slugs, octopuses, and squids. Abalone are in
the class Gastropoda. Members of this class have one
shell. They belong to the genus Haliotis, which
means "sea ear", referring to the
flattened shape of the shell. They are rounded or oval with a row of respiratory pores along one side. The
abalone clings tightly to rocky surfaces and must be pried loose. There are many types: black, flat,
pink, green or blue, pinto, red, threaded, and white. Most of the abalone meat is exported to Japan
and California. The entire flesh is edible. The primary use for abalone shells is in making inlays on
furniture and quitars. They are also sold to shell collectors and are used in making jewelry.
Abalone Links:
Abalone, From Wikipedia
