Abalone

Abalone are marine gastropods in the genus Haliotis, the only genus in the family Haliotidae, with a distinctive flattened, ear-like shell, a nacreous interior and a row of respiratory holes; about 70 living species exist, ranging mostly from 20 to 200 millimeters across, with the largest reaching 300 millimeters, found along coastlines on most continents except Antarctica and some American coasts. Archaeological evidence shows abalone have been harvested for over 100,000 years. The flesh is a delicacy eaten raw or cooked in a variety of cuisines, and because wild populations have been depleted by heavy harvesting, farming now supplies most of the abalone meat consumed; the shell is also used for jewelry, buttons, buckles and inlay.