Abalone, << `ab` uh LOH nee, >> is an ocean snail found in most mild and tropical seas. It is sometimes called an ear shell or ormer. It is found along the coasts of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe, and western North America. It clings to submerged rocks by means of a flat, muscular foot. It feeds on plants that it scrapes off the rocks with its filelike tongue. Abalone steak, the snail’s muscular foot, is a popular seafood dish around the world. Some kinds of abalone are endangered, and many countries regulate the harvesting of abalone. The colorful interior of the abalone’s shell, which may be from 1 to 12 inches (2.5 to 30 centimeters) long, is used in making costume jewelry. See also Mother-of-pearl.
