Green Ormer

Mollusc

Identification & Biology

• IdentificationA large, ear-shaped gastropod with a flattened shell pierced by a row of holes along one edge. The exterior is rough and often heavily encrusted. The interior is lined with spectacular iridescent mother-of-pearl (nacre) in green, blue, and pink.
• SizeShell length up to 12 cm. A large and impressive gastropod.
• Social HabitSolitary. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during the day. Clamps tightly to rock surfaces using its muscular foot when disturbed.
• HabitatRocky reefs and boulder fields, particularly under large rocks and in crevices. Prefers areas with good algal growth.
• Depth0 to 20 m. Most common in very shallow water to about 10 m.
• Feeds OnAlgae, particularly red and brown species, grazed from rock surfaces at night.
• DistributionEastern Atlantic from the Channel Islands to West Africa, and throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Present in Maltese waters.
• DescriptionHaliotis tuberculata is the Mediterranean abalone, prized both for its iridescent shell (used in jewellery and decorative inlay) and its meat (a delicacy in many cultures). The row of holes along the shell edge serves as exhaust ports for water that has passed over the gills. Overharvesting has reduced populations across much of its range, and the species is now protected in several Mediterranean countries.