Studies on southern Australian abalone (genus Haliotis). VI. Habitat preference, abundance and predators of juveniles

Abstract

The two abalone species Haliotis laevigata Donovan and H. scalaris Leach settle on crustose coralline algae on boulders at West Island, South Australia. Peak settlement of H. laevigata is from November to February, and of H. scalaris from February to June but settlement strength is very variable between years for both species. Experimentally placed boulders established the preference of these abalone species for a crustose coralline algal substratum and demonstrated the use of such structures to monitor quantitatively the settlement of abalone in time and space. The association of juvenile abalone with crustose coralline algae appears to be important for food and as a refuge from predators. Wrasses are important predators of juveniles but do not take individuals <5 mm long.