Abalone is a single-shell, herbivorous and nocturnal marine mollusk that thrives under rocks and corals at depths from less than 5 meters to 20 meters. It is unique among shellfish as it is called "sobra-sobra" because the meat grows beyond the shell. Abalone can withstand a narrow range of salinity, usually found in clean, clear seawater where there is high wave action and with reef or rock bottom. At the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) Aquaculture Department, a ratio of one male to every four females is used for natural spawning and fertilization.

Icamina, P. M. (2011, November 18). Why abalone. Malaya Business Insight, p. A9.