This thick, slightly domed shell is a Greenlip Abalone (Haliotis laevigata). It typically measures between 10 and 20 cm in length. The shell is oval-shaped with a row of small holes along one side, used for respiration and expelling waste. Concentric growth lines can be seen across the exterior. The inside of the shell is smooth, highly lustrous, and displays a range of iridescent colours. Haliotis laevigata feeds on algae, grazing across the surface of rocky reefs.

Location:
Coastal waters off Southern Australia, living on rocky reefs.

Average Size:
10–20 cm in length.

Family:
Haliotidae (Abalones)

Species:
Haliotis laevigata

Ecological Role:
The Greenlip Abalone plays an important role in its habitat by grazing on algae, helping to prevent algal overgrowth and supporting reef biodiversity.

Reproduction:
Greenlip Abalones reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilisation occurs externally.

Conservation Status:
Although Haliotis laevigata is commercially harvested, it is managed under strict regulations. Conservation efforts and aquaculture support the stability of wild populations.

Collection Date:
This shell was collected on 21st September 1915.