Appearance
The red abalone's shell length can reach a maximum of 31 cm, making it the largest species of abalone in the world.The shell is large, thick, dome-shaped, and usually covered with barnacles, vegetation, or other marine growth making the color and shell sculpture difficult to determine. It is usually a dull brick red color externally. Typically the shell has three to four slightly raised oval holes or respiratory pores, although specimens with no holes and others with more than four have been found. These holes collectively make up what is known as the selenizone which form as the shell grows. The inside of the shell appears polished and is strongly iridescent. A central, prominent muscle scar is easily visible in the shells of most Red Abalone, marking the location at which "Haliotis rufescens strong columellar muscle attaches.
This species was used as the subject in a study of the microscopic development of nacre.Below the edge of the shell, the black epipodium and tentacles can be seen. The underside of the foot is yellowish white in color.
Habitat
Red abalone live in rocky areas with kelp. They feed on the kelp species that grow in their home range, including giant kelp, feather boa kelp, and bull kelp. Juveniles eat coralline algae, bacteria, and diatoms. They are found from the intertidal zone to water more than 180 m deep, but are most common between 6 and 40 m.References:
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