Scuba Diving club, Southern California

Sea Sabres

Abalone Identification Guide

 

Abalone Species

Number of Open Holes

Shape & Structure of Holes

Color of Shell Exterior

Shell Sculpture

Shell Margin

Color of Body

Color of Tentacles

Red

3-4

oval, slightly tubular

dull brick-red

lumpy undulating

red rim

black

black

Pink

2-4

round, highly elevated

dull green to reddish brown

irregular corrugated

mottled, sharp scalloped

black

black

Black

5-9

round, small flush with shell

dark blue to black

smooth

blue or black smooth

black

black

Green

5-7

round, small slightly raised

olive green to reddish brown

regular with coarse spiral ribbing

brownish, sharp

olive green to light brown

olive green

White

3-5

oval highly elevated

reddish brown

regular with low spiral ribbing

red, sharp

yellowish tan traces of orange

yellowish green

Pinto

3-6

oval raised

mottled greenish brown with scattered white & blue

lumpy exterior reflected on interior by hollows, pits, etc.

narrow, mottled, scalloped

mottled greenish tan or brown

greenish brown

Threaded

3-6

oval slightly raised

mottled greenish with red- white or brownish spotting

wide separated prominent spiral ribs interspaced with numerous fine ribs

thin mottled greenish, red-blue

yellowish cream & brown

brownish-yellow

Flat

4-8

oval raised

brick red with white blue & green mottlings

numerous evenly rounded spiral ribs crossed by thin raised striations

thin, red

yellowish green mottled

yellowish green

 

Abalone Species

Area between Tentacles

Muscle Scar

Characteristics of Muscle Scar

Interior of Shell Major Iridescence

Red

lobed, smooth

prominent

straight green lines at sides & front edge

dull green

Pink

white lace-like edge

prominent

wavy bands & clusters of closely spaced flow lines with pinkish iridescence

pink

Black

lobed, smooth

absent

-

pearly white

Green

green lace-like edge

prominent

same as for pink with green & blue iridescence

green & blue

White

beige lace-like edge

absent

-

pearly white & pink

Pinto

lace-like edge, greenish brown, rough

absent

-

pearly white

Threaded

lace-like edge, yellowish brown, roughened

absent

-

pearly white

Flat

lace-like edge, yellow-green roughened

absent

-

purplish pink

 California Department of Fish and Game, Marine Region

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Posted September 5, 2003