Greenlip Abalone
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haliotis laevigata |
| Common Name | Greenlip Abalone |
| Distribution | Endemic to southern Australia, ranging from Victoria and Tasmania across to South Australia and Western Australia. |
| Habitat | Found on smooth granite rock edges, boulder fields, and limestone reefs, particularly where rock meets sand or seagrass beds. |
| Depth Range | 10 to 40 metres. |
| Average Size | 13 to 15 centimetres. |
| Maximum Size | 22 centimetres. |
| Commercial Status | Highly Commercial / Premium Export & Aquaculture. |
| Primary Production | Wild fisheries, sea-ranching and aquaculture. |
| Key Characteristics | This species is instantly identified by the vibrant, emerald-green edge on its muscular foot and mantle. It has a smooth, low-domed shell with faint spiral lines, lacking the rough ridges of other large abalones. The shell edge usually features 9 to 11 small, mostly flush respiratory pores. |
About Greenlip Abalone
The Greenlip Abalone (Haliotis laevigata) is one of Australia's most valuable commercial abalone species, prized for its pale meat, sweet flavour and tender texture. It is especially important in premium export and aquaculture markets. Unlike more cryptic species that hide deep in crevices, Greenlip Abalone is often found on more open reef edges and boulder surfaces where it feeds on drifting algae. Its strong market value and reliable farming performance have made it a key species for Australian abalone production.