Abalone Snail (Haliotis varia)

Nocturnal feeder. Algae eater, sand sifter. Be careful with copper-based medication and extreme nitrate levels. Abalone are really nifty marine invertebrate, though technically cold-water reef organisms they will last for several months in tropical conditions. Thanks to the aquaculture industry and years of efforts to produce abalone for human consumption, the california black abalone is aquacultured and relatively abundant. Other species are available seasonally and geograhically . These have proven to be sturdy aquarium specimens with broad chemical and physical condition tolerance, accepting prepared foods readily; and they're apparently quite disease free/resistant. Will need to be drip acclimated slowly as these animals are very sensitive to pH, Alkalinity, and Temperature changes!!!!

Diet: Herbivore.

Behavior: The Haliotis species is generally peaceful toward other tankmates.

Water parameters: Keep water quality high (SG 1.023 - 1.025, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Temp. 72 - 78 F).

Care: Many consider the Haliotis species a medium-maintenance specimen. Not venomous.

Size: The Abalone may grow to 3 inches.

Origin: The Abalone is commonly collected from South Pacific. _____________________________________________________________________________________