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Abalone

Alternative names: Ear shells, Sea ears, Muttonfish, Muttonshells, Ormer, Pāua

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Abalones are sea snails with various sizes, ranging from 20 mm to 200 mm, depending on the exact species. Abalones have a convex shell which is either oval or round, and most species have two or three whorls.
They also have from 8 to 38 holes which help them breathe and which also release eggs and sperm in the water.
The shell has a thick inner layer which, in many species, is iridescent and can be found in a variety of colours, which makes the abalone a popular decorative item.
Abalones are widely distributed throughout the world, and in a wide range of climates, in the coastal waters. Exceptions are made by South America's Pacific coast, USA's Eastern Coast and the Arctic and Antarctic areas.

Often seen in New South Wales