Scarlet-rayed Abalone
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haliotis coccoradiata |
| Common Name | Scarlet-rayed Abalone (also known as the Scarlet-rayed Ear Shell or Reddish-rayed Abalone) |
| Distribution | Endemic to southeastern Australia, primarily ranging along the temperate coastal waters of New South Wales, Victoria, and eastern Tasmania. |
| Habitat | Found on shallow rocky reefs. It is a nocturnal, cryptic species that remains strictly concealed under rocks, inside narrow crevices, or beneath ledges during daylight hours |
| Depth Range | 0 to 10 metres (intertidal to shallow subtidal zones). |
| Average Size | 4 to 5 centimetres in shell length. |
| Maximum Size | 7 centimetres |
| Commercial Status | None / Non-commercial. |
| Key Characteristics | This species is defined by its slightly elongated, oval shell featuring prominent radial ridges crossed by fine spiral cords. Its most striking feature is its coloration, consisting of a red-brown base accented by vibrant, scarlet or reddish-orange radiating rays that expand outward from the apex. The shell typically displays 4 to 6 open respiratory pores that are slightly raised above the surface. |
About Scarlet-rayed Abalone
The Scarlet-rayed Abalone (Haliotis coccoradiata) is a small, colourful abalone species found in the cool temperate waters of southeastern Australia.
It is not commercially harvested because of its small size, usually growing to less than 7 cm.
This species is active mostly at night, grazing on fine algae and film from rocky reef surfaces. Empty shells are often found washed ashore and are valued by collectors for their bright scarlet, flame-like markings.
Live Scarlet-rayed Abalone can sometimes be mistaken for juvenile Blacklip Abalone, as both can occur on shallow rocky reefs.