Blacklip Abalone

The size of the shell varies between 3.5 and 20 cm (1.4–7.9 in). "The large, much depressed shell has a rounded-oval shape. The distance of the apex from the margin is one-fifth the length of the shell. It is sculptured with fine spiral cords cut by close minute striae of increment. It shows radiating waves or folds above. A slight angle at the row of perforations, below it is broadly excavated and then carinated. The about six perforations are elevated and circular. The outline is suborbicular, much depressed and solid but not thick. The surface is either dark red with few radiating angular white patches, or dull red and green, streaked and mottled. The spiral cords of the outer surface are either nearly equal, or have slightly larger ones at wide intervals. They are decussated by close growth-striae. The whorls number a trifle over 3.

This species is endemic to Australia, and is one of two species of abalone taken in South Australia and Tasmania (the other is the greenlip abalone).

Range is from Fremantle, Western Australia, to Angourie, New South Wales, and around Tasmania.

It is called the blacklip abalone because the edge of the foot is black.