Animal
Deep-sea sunstar
This fast-moving sea star is a hungry hunter.
On view at the Aquarium inRocky Shore
A flattened spiral shell protects this marine snail's muscular foot — a highly prized dish on seafood menus. Those holes on the edge of the shell serve several functions: they release eggs or sperm, discharge metabolic wastes and allow water to flow out after passing through the animal's gill chamber.
Up to 12 inches (30 cm); varies with species
Algae
Depends on species; from intertidal ledges down to the deep reefs at 213 feet (64.9 m)
Octopuses, nudibranchs, other snails; Phylum: Mollusca; Class: Gastropoda
Like other gastropods, the abalone shell is part of its body. It is considered an exoskeleton, protecting it during low tides and from predators and other bodily harm. The shell grows as the abalone grows. Abalone shells are made of calcium carbonate. The innermost layer is made of a specific type of calcium carbonate called nacre, or mother-of-pearl, which in the past was widely used for jewelry and other decorative arts.
Abalone are mostly sedentary and exceptionally strong. They cling to rocks while waiting for a piece of kelp to drift nearby. The abalone clamps down on the kelp with its foot and then munches on algae with its radula — a tongue-like band with many small teeth.
Abundant in the early 20th century, abalone once supported huge commercial and sport fisheries. Due to overfishing and disease, today's abalone faces extinction — both white and black abalone are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. To protect wild abalone, strict fishing laws have been enacted. Farmed abalone may offer a sustainable alternative. Find out more at SeafoodWatch.org.
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This fast-moving sea star is a hungry hunter.
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