Haliotis rufescens

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Haliotis rufescens

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WLA hmns Haliotis rufescens

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colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Haliotis rufescens
File:Haliotis rufescens.jpg
A live specimen of Haliotis rufescens
Conservation status
Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)
colspan=2 style="min-width:15em; text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Scientific classification
Missing taxonomy template ([//en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?action=edit&title=Template:taxonomy/Haliotis&preload=Template:Taxonomy/preload fix]):	Haliotis
Species	Template:Taxonomy/Haliotis H. rufescens
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Template:Taxonomy/Haliotis Haliotis rufescens Swainson, 1822

Haliotis rufescens, commonly known as the red abalone, is a species of large marine gastropod mollusk in the family Haliotidae, the abalones. It is the largest and most common abalone species found along the coast of California.

Description

The shell of Haliotis rufescens is characterized by its reddish color and rough texture. The exterior of the shell is usually covered with a layer of algae and other marine growths. The interior of the shell is iridescent, displaying a range of colors from silvery white to deep blue and green. The shell can grow up to 31 cm (12 inches) in length, making it the largest abalone species.

Habitat

Haliotis rufescens is typically found in rocky coastal waters from Oregon to Baja California, Mexico. They inhabit depths ranging from the intertidal zone to about 20 meters (66 feet). These abalones prefer areas with abundant kelp, which they use for both food and shelter.

Diet

The diet of Haliotis rufescens primarily consists of various species of kelp and other marine algae. They use their strong, muscular foot to cling to rocks and their radula to scrape algae off surfaces.

Reproduction

Haliotis rufescens has a reproductive cycle that involves external fertilization. Spawning typically occurs in the spring and summer months. Females release eggs into the water column, which are then fertilized by sperm released by males. The larvae are planktonic and eventually settle to the ocean floor, where they develop into juvenile abalones.

Conservation

The population of Haliotis rufescens has been significantly impacted by overfishing, habitat destruction, and disease. Conservation efforts include regulated fishing, marine protected areas, and aquaculture programs aimed at restoring wild populations.

Related Pages

• Abalone
• Marine gastropod
• Kelp forest
• Aquaculture
• Marine conservation