Species Profiles: Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Pacific Southwest) - Black, Green, and Red Abalones

摘要

Black, green, and red abalones (Haliotis cracherodii, H. fulgens, and H. rufescens, respectively) are of commercial and ecological importance and are distributed widely along the California coast. The abalones are morphologically similar; species are distinguished by particular shell sculpture, color, and body characteristics. Their latitudinal and bathymetric distribution is stratified and most closely related to temperature. Spawning occurs during summer; gonad ripening depends on food quality and quantity and water temperature. Commercial and sport diving efforts have increased sharply, whereas annual landings of abalones declined from 1965 to 1982.