Perlemoen Abalone

The size of the shell varies between 12 and 20 cm (4.7–7.9 in). "The large shell has a rounded-oval shape and is moderately convex. The distance of the apex from the margin about equals one-fifth the greatest length of the shell. The body whorl is strongly angled at the position of the perforations, perpendicularly descending from the angle to the columellar margin. The surface shows strong, elevated, radiating wrinkles or lamellae, but no spiral markings when adult. The 6 to 11 perforations are small, subcircular, and separated by spaces greater than their own diameter. The two sides are about equally curved. The convexity varies with age. The colour of the shell is yellowish-grey. The folds are usually stained with coral-red. The surface is dull, with fine oblique growth-wrinkles and coarse, prominent, less oblique elevated and wavy radiating lamellae.

H. midae is endangered due to severe overfishing from uncontrolled poaching driven by consumer demand in East Asia; 90% of exports go to Hong Kong. Numerous East Asian poaching gangs have created an organised criminal enterprise in conjunction with local criminals and fishers, leading to a catastrophic decline in the species. These organisations are closely linked to the international narcotics trade. In most areas of former abundance, evidence indicates that populations have not been able to keep up with the level of poaching, leading to recruitment failure.

From 2000 to 2016, 55 863 tonnes were exported, with 18 905 tonnes being legal exports and 36 958 tonnes in illegal exports.