Melvill's Abalone
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haliotis melculus (historically referred to as Haliotis melvilli) |
| Common Name | Melvill's Abalone (Honey Abalone) |
| Distribution | Endemic to Eastern Australia, ranging from the Keppel Islands in Queensland down to northern New South Wales. |
| Habitat | Subtidal rocky reefs, often found in shallow, clear water environments hidden beneath boulders and in narrow crevices. |
| Depth Range | Shallow subtidal (commonly 0 to 15 metres). |
| Average Size | 3 to 4 centimetres. |
| Maximum Size | 5.6 centimetres. |
| Commercial Status | Non-commercial / Extremely Scarce. |
| Key Characteristics | A very small, highly polished abalone, named for its characteristic honey-yellow to orange-brown shell colouration. The shell is relatively smooth with faint spiral cords and features 4 to 6 small, open respiratory pores. |
About Melvill's Abalone
Melvill's Abalone (Haliotis melculus) is an extremely scarce, small gastropod endemic to the warmer temperate and subtropical waters of eastern Australia. Due to its diminutive size, seldom exceeding 4 centimetres and highly cryptic nature, it is entirely bypassed by commercial fisheries, with specimens rarely seen alive by divers. Its brilliant, honey-coloured shell makes it a highly prized, rare addition to specialised shell collections, with most recorded specimens having been washed ashore.
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