Brownlip Abalone
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haliotis conicopora (also classified by some authorities as Haliotis rubra conicopora) |
| Common Name | Brownlip Abalone |
| Distribution | Endemic to the southwest coast of Australia, ranging primarily from the lower west coast of Western Australia down and across to the western edge of South Australia. |
| Habitat | Prefers deeper coastal waters, firmly adhering to granite boulders, complex reefs, and deep caves within wave-exposed areas. |
| Depth Range | 10 to 40 metres. |
| Average Size | 12 to 15 centimetres. |
| Maximum Size | 24 centimetres. |
| Commercial Status | Commercial / Managed Wild Fishery. |
| Primary Production | Wild fisheries |
| Key Characteristics | This massive species features a distinctive, thick-edged muscular foot bordered by a rich, chocolate-brown frill or lip. Its elongated, ear-shaped shell is heavily ridged with coarse spiral structures and displays an exterior reddish-brown colouration. The shell edge typically contains 5 to 7 prominent, moderately elevated respiratory pores. |
About Brownlip Abalone
The Brownlip Abalone (Haliotis conicopora) is one of the largest and most robust abalone species found along the wild, deep reefs of southwestern Australia. Closely related to the Blacklip variety, this specialised grazer is highly prized globally for its dense, sweet, and distinctly umami-rich meat. Because it selectively populates deeper, high-energy reef environments, harvesting requires highly skilled commercial divers utilising surface-supplied breathing apparatus. The species is heavily protected by strict Total Allowable Catch quotas, earning prestigious international sustainability certifications to protect wild stocks.
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