Polished Abalone Red Shell

SPECIES
Haliotis rufescens

LOCATION
Worldwide distribution

*NOTE: THIS SHELL COMES IN A BEAUTIFUL GIFT BOX MAKING IT THE IDEAL GIFT!

DESCRIPTION

A stunning 12cm long red abalone seashell. Weighs 61g. Comes with an acrylic display stand.

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 rufescen's strong columellar muscle attaches.