# Red Abalone (*Haliotis rufescens*)

> Red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) is a large marine snail prized for its mother-of-pearl shell along the California coast. Adults reach 25 cm and 1 kg, graze kelp, and are listed Critically Endangered.

- **Category:** Invertebrate
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Critically Endangered
- **Range:** Pacific coasts of California and Baja California.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/abalone/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Mollusca
- **Class:** Gastropoda
- **Order:** Lepetellida
- **Family:** Haliotidae
- **Genus:** Haliotis

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Haliotis rufescens |
| Diet | Herbivore (kelp) |
| Habitat | Rocky subtidal reefs |
| Lifespan | 30–40 years |
| Weight | 0.5–1.5 kg |
| Top speed | up to 5 km/h |
| Conservation status | Critically Endangered (IUCN) |

## Ear-shaped kelp grazer

The shell bears a row of respiratory pores and iridescent nacre inside. A broad foot clamps to rocks while the head grazes drift kelp and algae.

## Kelp forest lawnmower

Adults feed mainly on giant kelp and other macroalgae. Slow growth and late maturity make populations vulnerable to overharvest.

## Pacific California to Baja

Rocky subtidal reefs from southern Oregon through California to Baja. Cold upwelling and kelp beds define prime habitat.

## Critically Endangered after collapse

IUCN lists red abalone Critically Endangered. Withering foot disease, poaching, and kelp loss crashed fisheries closed since the 1990s.

## Frequently asked questions

### What are the holes in an abalone shell?

Respiratory pores that release water after gills extract oxygen — a hallmark of abalones.

### Why is red abalone Critically Endangered?

Disease, illegal harvest, and kelp forest decline devastated California populations.

### What do abalones eat?

Mainly kelp and other macroalgae scraped with a rasping radula.

### Is abalone shell mother-of-pearl?

Yes — the inner shell layer is iridescent nacre used in jewellery and inlay.

### Can you legally harvest red abalone?

California fisheries are largely closed; check current state regulations before any collection.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/abalone/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.