abalos

Abalos, commonly referred to in English as abalones, are marine gastropods in the family Haliotidae. They are characterized by ear-shaped, robust shells with a single row of respiratory openings along the outer edge and a highly iridescent nacre (mother-of-pearl) inner layer.

Taxonomy and distribution

The family Haliotidae comprises about 100 species in the genus Haliotis. Abalones inhabit temperate and subtropical seas around the world, with notable species occurring in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans. They are found on rocky substrates and kelp-rich shores where they can graze on algae.

Biology and ecology

Abalones are herbivorous grazers, feeding primarily on algae by scraping with a radula. They grow slowly and exhibit a continuous shell growth pattern, producing calcium carbonate shells with concentric growth lines. Most species reproduce through broadcast spawning, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column for external fertilization. Juveniles settle onto hard substrates and develop into adults over time.

Human use and aquaculture

Abalones are highly valued for their meat and, in some regions, for the decorative shell inlays. Commercial fisheries are important in several countries, and abalone aquaculture has expanded as a means to reduce pressure on wild populations. Because abalones are long-lived and slow-reproducing, management often emphasizes size limits, catch quotas, seasonal closures, and habitat protection.

Conservation

Many abalone species have experienced declines due to overfishing, habitat loss, disease, and climate-related stress such as warming waters and ocean acidification. Some populations have shown resilience where protected areas and well-enforced regulations are in place. Ongoing research and monitoring aim to support sustainable harvests and recovery efforts.