Abalone Species Number of Open Holes Shape & Structure of Holes Color of Shell Exterior Shell Sculpture Shell Margin Color of Body Color of Tentacles Red 3-4 oval, slightly tubular dull brick-red lumpy undulating red rim black black Pink 2-4 round, highly elevated dull green to reddish brown irregular corrugated mottled, sharp scalloped black black Black 5-9 round, small flush with shell dark blue to black smooth blue or black smooth black black Green 5-7 round, small slightly raised olive green to reddish brown regular with coarse spiral ribbing brownish, sharp olive green to light brown olive green White 3-5 oval highly elevated reddish brown regular with low spiral ribbing red, sharp yellowish tan traces of orange yellowish green Pinto 3-6 oval raised mottled greenish brown with scattered white & blue lumpy exterior reflected on interior by hollows, pits, etc. narrow, mottled, scalloped mottled greenish tan or brown greenish brown Threaded 3-6 oval slightly raised mottled greenish with red- white or brownish spotting wide separated prominent spiral ribs interspaced with numerous fine ribs thin mottled greenish, red-blue yellowish cream & brown brownish-yellow Flat 4-8 oval raised brick red with white blue & green mottlings numerous evenly rounded spiral ribs crossed by thin raised striations thin, red yellowish green mottled yellowish green Abalone Species Area between Tentacles Muscle Scar Characteristics of Muscle Scar Interior of Shell Major Iridescence Red lobed, smooth prominent straight green lines at sides & front edge dull green Pink white lace-like edge prominent wavy bands & clusters of closely spaced flow lines with pinkish iridescence pink Black lobed, smooth absent - pearly white Green green lace-like edge prominent same as for pink with green & blue iridescence green & blue White beige lace-like edge absent - pearly white & pink Pinto lace-like edge, greenish brown, rough absent - pearly white Threaded lace-like edge, yellowish brown, roughened absent - pearly white Flat lace-like edge, yellow-green roughened absent - purplish pink