General Description

The Green-lipped Abalone is the largest Abalone species in Australian waters. Shell a smooth flattened oval, green or faintly red. Row of perforations around the edge of the shell; flat to the shell surface without a raised edge, 7-8. Tentacles along the edge of the foot; edge of foot and tentacles green. Shell up to 23 cm long.

Biology

Abalone use the holes in their shells to move water into their shells and over their gills, allowing them to breathe. They cling to the surface of rocks using their very large foot muscle. Abalone feed on algae in the water and on rocks and also graze on seagrass. They do not move very far, remaining near one spot. Abalone reproduce by broadcast spawning, releasing eggs and sperm into the water. The Green-lipped Abalone spawns between spring and late summer. Their strong foot and low shell profile makes them able to live in quite rough water, but the Green-lipped Abalone usually prefers more sheltered areas. It is thought to live to around 15 years old. Abalone species are fished for food all over the world. In Australia there are strict controls on how much, what size, and when abalone can be recreationally fished. These restrictions vary between states.

Distribution

South-eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania.

Habitat

Crevices and under boulders on rocky reefs in calm to rough water, up to 40 m depth.

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