Meet the Threaded Abalone

Distinguishing Characters: Shell oval, moderately thin, arched. Attains a length of six inches but most are small than four. Surface fairly regular with prominent, broad spiral ribs interspaced by several low, narrow ribs or ridges.

Four to six holes open, small, tubular, raised. Shallow groove between holes and edge of shell. Spire moderately high. Surface of shell primarily greenish with patches and spots of dull brown, white, red or yellow. Outer lip of shell extends over inner nacreous surface, producing typical narrow reddish-brown and greenish colored border.

Interior surface iridescent, light pearly white. No muscle sear in most individuals, occasional sear-like impression. In larger specimens, some with small clumps of greenish nacre in vicinity of muscle attachment.

Body yellowish cream with brown blotching, epipodium light brown and cream, banded. Numerous small rounded protuberances on surface of epipodium, upper edge fringe-like and flecked with white. Orange tinted on edge of foot and mantle, eye stalks and in throat region. Tentacles short and light brownish-yellow in color.

Distribution From Pt. Conception south to Turtle Bay, Baja California, primarily along the mainland.

Habitat Rocky bottoms offshore in depths ranging from 10 feet (rare) to over 120 feet; greatest numbers are found in 70-100 foot depths.

From California Abalones, Family Haliotidae, Department of Fish and Game
By Keith W. Cox

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