Haliotis cracherodii
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haliotis_cracherodii
Overview
Haliotis cracherodii, the black abalone, is a species of large edible sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Haliotidae, the abalone.
The black abalone has suffered catastrophic population declines of over 99% since the 1980s, primarily due to withering syndrome caused by the bacterial pathogen Candidatus Xenohaliotis californiensis. Ocean warming has increased the pathogen's virulence and expanded its range, while also reducing kelp forest habitat that provides essential food sources. Illegal harvesting continues to pressure remaining populations despite protective regulations.
Habitat
Black abalone inhabit rocky intertidal zones and shallow subtidal areas along the Pacific coast, typically found in crevices and under rocks in the mid to low intertidal zone. They prefer areas with strong wave action and abundant coralline algae and kelp, which serve as their primary food sources.
