Abalone Shell || Green Ormer || Haliotis tuberculata

• Scientific name: Haliotis tuberculata
• Size: 1 - 10 cm
• Color: Green, red, orange or brown outer surface and a pearly interior
• Family: Haliotidae
• Fun fact: The first underwater arrest occurred due to the illegal harvesting for Abalone Shells.

 

One of the most magical shells you can find along the beaches of Portugal’s coastline is the Abalone Shell. Not only do these sea snails have beautiful pearly shells, but they are also known as a delicacy. Now, let's dive into these magical shells and learn more about them.

The Green Ormer, more commonly know as Abalone Shell, is a sea snail known for its unique ear-shaped shell and stunning pearly interior. It belongs to the abalone family Haliotidae, and has been given the scientific name: Haliotis tuberculata. 

Appearance

Abalone Shells have a unique oval, ear-shaped shell. That's why they are sometimes called the Beautiful Ear-shell. 

The small row of holes along the shell’s edge allows the mollusk to expel water after it flows over. As the snail grows, the older holes get sealed off, and new holes are formed.

The outer shell may appear rough and earthy, blending seamlessly with the rocky environments it inhabits. Its outer surface often features hues of green, red, orange, or brown, which serve as excellent camouflage against predators.

However, the true beauty of the Abalone Shells lies within. The interior of the shell is lined with mother-of-pearl, a shimmering pearly layer. 

If you're lucky, this layer is still intact when you find an Abalone Shell on the beach. Under the light, a rainbow of colors shimmers in this iridescent layer which makes them so beautiful.

Compared to other abalone species, the mother-of-pearl of the European Abalone Shells tends to be less vividly colored than that of the Australian or Californian Abalone Shells.

Additionally, these European Abalone Shells are much smaller than their 'big brothers' around the world, but that doesn’t make them any less adorned.

Abalones are equipped with a muscular foot that they use to move slowly along the ocean floor. They cling tightly to rocks or coral, using the foot like a suction cup, which makes them difficult to dislodge.

 

Habitat

Abalone snails can be found clinging to rocks in shallow waters, particularly in areas where algae is abundant. Algae is their primary food source, which makes these snails ecologically important because they help maintain the balance of their underwater environment.

They can be found in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Also in Portugal you can find these Abalone Shells, especially in the Algarve region. 

In some European regions, the Abalone Shell isn’t just admired for its shell; it’s also appreciated as a delicacy. These mollusks are prepared in a variety of ways, from stewing to grilling, offering a unique taste of the sea.

Particularly on the Channel Islands (off the coast of France), ormering is a beloved tradition, with strict seasonal rules ensuring sustainable harvesting. Since the second half of the 19th century, overfishing has caused a significant decline in their population.

This even led to the world's first underwater arrest, when a man in 1968 was caught illegally diving for Abalone Shells and was arrested by a police officer fully in diving gear.

 

From its shimmering interior to its ecological importance, the Abalone Shell embodies the magic of Europe’s coastal waters. While it may not boast the bold colors of its Australian or Californian relatives, its subtle elegance makes it a true treasure of the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

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