Scientific Name:
Haliotis cracherodii
Description
Has a smooth, dark shell about 10–20 cm (4–8 in) in length with a light, pearly interior. This shell serves as a home for the living abalone, whose black muscular foot and tentacles are visible peeking outside the rim.
Behaviors
Occupies coastal waters from Northern California to Baja. It uses its muscular foot to latch onto rocks in the mid-intertidal zone and feed on kelp.
Fun Facts
If this abalone feels the tube feet of a sea star on its shell, it twists and turns until the sea star is shaken off and then “runs” (very slowly) away.
Nature Topics
