abalone n : any of various large edible marine gastropods of the genus Haliotis having an ear-shaped shell with pearly interior [syn: ear-shell]

Abalone \Ab`a*lo"ne\ ([a^]b`[.a]*l[=o]"n[-e]), n. (Zo["o]l.) A univalve mollusk of the genus Haliotis. The shell is lined with mother-of-pearl, and used for ornamental purposes; the sea-ear. Several large species are found on the coast of California, clinging closely to the rocks.

Abalone (from Spanish Abulón) are a type of Gastropod shellfish.

Abalone are known by their colorful inside shell. This is also called ear-shell, ormer in Guernsey, perlemoen in South Africa, and pāua in New Zealand.

The meat of this shellfish is thought to be delicious in some parts of Latin America (especially Chile), South East Asia, and East Asia (especially in China, Japan, and Korea).

Abalones live all over the world. They can be seen along the waters of every continent, except the Atlantic coast of South America, the Caribbean, and the East Coast of the United States. Most abalones are found in cold waters, along the coasts of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, and Western North America and Japan in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Chilean Pacific coast, the species called loco (Concholepas Concholepas, Bruguière, 1789) has a hard, black shell, and is eaten by many people.

• Abalone virus tipped to ravage licence value
  AN abalone expert expects a western zone licence to pass hands for only 20 per cent of the last price due to the impact of a devastating virus. Read more on this news related to 'Abalone'
• 3 abalone divers die in separate accidents off California coast
  Three recreational abalone divers died in separate incidents over the weekend in Northern California, where powerful rip currents were reported. A low tide drew divers to the beaches from Carmel to Moss Landing to San Francisco looking for abalone. The mollusks are prized delicacies by seafood lovers. Abalone season for recreational divers opened April 1 and runs Read more on this news related to 'Abalone'
• Abalone diver's death the fourth in eight days
  The quest for abalone in the waters off the North Coast claimed another life Saturday morning in a season that's providing unnecessary proof of the dangers of pursuing the prized mollusks. Read more on this news related to 'Abalone'