abalone

Abalone are marine snails known for their distinctive, large, single shells. The shells are typically oval or ear-shaped and can display a variety of colors. They feed on algae and live attached to rocks in the Pacific and Southern Oceans.

Rocky intertidal & subtidal zones (areas between high and low tide lines and underwater). They prefer areas with strong currents to bring them food and need rocky crevices for protection from predators and waves.

Abalone are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water for fertilization. Fertilized eggs develop into free-swimming larvae that drift in the plankton. After several weeks, the larvae settle on rocks and develop into juvenile abalone. Growth is relatively slow.

Abalone meat is highly prized as a delicacy. It's often served raw (sashimi), grilled, or cooked in stews. The meat has a unique, slightly sweet, and chewy texture. Farmed abalone is a more common source now due to overfishing and disease.