Reproduction and feeding in the abalone Haliotis roei gray

Abstract

H. roei has a short period of intense spawning in July and August, followed by low levels of spawning until December. A few ripe animals are present throughout the year. Males were more common than females in a sample made at Waterman, Western Australia. The animals begin to mature at about 40 mm, but have few gametes at this size. Females of the maximum known size of 122 mm produce an estimated 8.6 million eggs.

H. roei is herbivorous, feeding on a variety of macroalgae present in the drift. Algae consumed varied seasonally and between platforms. Volumes of gut contents were greatest in winter, corresponding with the time of maximum food availability.