Haliotis asinina - Abalone

Haliotis asinina is a tropical marine gastropod belonging to the abalone family Haliotidae. It has an elongated, curved shell with a row of characteristic respiratory openings along one side.

The abalone is primarily active at night. During daylight hours, it often shelters beneath rockwork or inside shaded crevices before emerging to graze after the aquarium lights switch off.

Key features

• Tropical marine abalone
• Scientific name: Haliotis asinina
• Family: Haliotidae
• Primarily herbivorous algae grazer
• Grazes algae from rock and aquarium glass
• Primarily nocturnal
• Peaceful temperament
• Generally reef safe
• Does not normally consume living corals
• Powerful muscular foot and exceptionally strong grip
• Elongated ear-shaped shell
• Iridescent shell interior
• Adult size up to approximately 9–12 cm
• Requires an established aquarium with natural algae
• Supplemental seaweed feeding may be necessary
• Sensitive to copper-based medications
• Requires stable marine-water parameters
• Loose coral fragments and rocks should be secured

Care information

• Adult size: approximately 9–12 cm
• Diet: algae and supplemental marine algae foods
• Activity: primarily nocturnal
• Temperament: peaceful
• Reef compatibility: generally reef safe
• Care level: intermediate
• Recommended minimum aquarium volume: approximately 110–120 litres
• Origin: tropical Indo-Pacific

Suggested water conditions

• Temperature: approximately 22–26 °C
• Specific gravity: approximately 1.023–1.025
• pH: approximately 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: approximately 8–12 dKH
• Ammonia: 0 mg/l
• Nitrite: 0 mg/l

Feeding

Provide an established aquarium with mature rockwork and natural algal growth. When natural algae become limited, supplement with:

• Dried nori seaweed
• Marine algae sheets
• Spirulina-based sinking tablets
• Algae-based invertebrate foods
• Sinking herbivore pellets

Remove uneaten supplemental food the following morning.

Introduction

1. Confirm that the aquarium is fully established.
2. Check that sufficient grazing surfaces and food are available.
3. Verify compatibility with fish and crustaceans.
4. Acclimate slowly to temperature and salinity.
5. Avoid unnecessary exposure to air.
6. Never pull the animal forcefully from rock or glass.
7. Transfer it underwater with its substrate or a small container.
8. Place it onto stable, algae-covered rock.
9. Confirm that the muscular foot attaches securely.
10. Protect exposed pump intakes.
11. Observe feeding activity after the lights switch off.