Aquacultured Abalone

All of the abalones that I've seen in tanks are either Haliotis ovina, H. varia, H. clathrata, or H. asinina, except for one H. jacnensis. All of these are tropical species, and range from one to two inches as adults, except for H. asinina which may reach around five inches. I'm not sure anyone in the U.S. farms these, but it's possible. I know they farm the commercial species in California, but I've never seen anyone on the forums with a red, black, pink, green or white abalone. I'd think that those species wouldn't do very well in a tropical tank since they'd need lots of macroalgae and cool temperatures.

Here's a pic of a REAL green abalone, so you can see that their ID is certainly incorrect:

http://www.gastropods.com/1/Shell_121.shtml

Cheers,



Don

 

usually refered to as Donkey ears in most circles

 

When is the last time you went down there and saw that? Withering Foot wiped out all of them a few years back. It's not making it's way up the west coast.

 

Now I'm hungry (and thirsty for a cold one 8))!!!

 

Nope, 3 a day, or 3 in possession, but 25 for the season. I go many times a year. Now we have to keep a punch card and tag each "balone" on the beach. The big boys are called hub caps as they look that big underwater. Largest I have captured was 11" but I've seen larger. Smaller is tastier IMO/IME.. not as tough.

You can not sell any you collected, highly against the law.
CA F&G not only waits for you to exit, use binocs to watch you, they also have road blocks in peak season.

 

That was late Summer 2007. We didn't make it down last year because of all the violence and crap in Tijuana. But this place is about 4 or 5 acres built right on the water. They were also starting up Oyster Farming as well. We stopped and talked to the dudes through the wire fence & they kinda had to see that we meant no harm, then they were cool and told us what they were doing.
Next time, I'm taking a case of American beer and give it to these guys and see if they'll give us a tour (or some samples?)

 

They must feel the danger is over then. Good luck to them, many lost everything due to withering foot. Right now also is a horrible time to be in Aquaculture. The market dropped pretty bad when the global economy dropped. Lotsa farms are cutting staff and size right now.

 

I hope you're right Gresham, I'd hate to see this place shuttered when we get back there this Spring. If we get lucky & can manage a tour, I'll be sure to get some pics!!!

 

That one on Liveaquaria says max size 3".
Here's a read from reefkeeping:
The Grazing Snails, Part II - Abalones, Limpets and Nerites by Ronald L. Shimek, Ph.D. - Reefkeeping.com

 

Some good info there!! Thanks! K+