State Seashell
Black AbalonePhoto credit: Andrew Harmer, Tenera Environmental
Haliotis cracherodii
Black abalone live in the rocky reefs along the California coast. They can hold on to hard surfaces and move around their habitat using their “foot,” a muscular appendage.
Black abalone can grow up to eight inches in diameter. They were once plentiful and used by California’s native peoples for food and for their beautiful shells. Unfortunately, disease and overfishing have rapidly decreased the black abalone population and they are now endangered.
Photo credit: Andrew Harmer, Tenera Environmental
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