Lord Howe Abalone
Scientific name
Haliotis rubiginosa
Status in NSW
Critically endangered.
Characteristics
Lord Howe Abalone is a rare and cryptic species that hides under rocks and pieces of dead coral, and in small holes and crevices in the reef. It has a large muscular foot for attaching to substrate. The Lord Howe Abalone is distinguished by:
- Cream coloured foot
- Lime green mantle, head and cephalic tentacles
- Red light receptors at the end of eye stalks
- Frilled epipodium with brown, white and pale pink banding
- Rusty orange, ovate, convex shell with wrinkles and spiral ridges
Species similar in appearance
Nil.
Size
The size of Lord Howe Abalone shells varies between 30mm and 56mm.
Distribution and Habitat
This species is endemic to Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, Australia. It is restricted to the intertidal and shallow subtidal carbonate reefs around Lord Howe Island. It has been observed living under boulders and rubble, and in holes and crevices.
Report a Lord Howe Abalone sighting
Why is the Lord Howe Island Abalone threatened?
- Marine heatwaves driven by climate change
- Compromised immune responses and reproductive output from prolonged exposure to elevated water temperatures
- Highly restricted range – The species is endemic to Lord Howe Island so therefore vulnerable to any threatening processes
More Information
Fisheries Scientific Committee Final Determination
Primefact: Lord Howe Abalone - Haliotis rubiginosa
Priorities Action Statement – Draft Actions for Lord Howe Island Abalone
