Abalones... predaceous? 3/19/08
Hello,
I recently bought an abalone (ORA aquacultured), it seems to have acclimated to my tank just fine. However, today while sitting on my couch I saw a hermit crab walk by the abalone and as it went past, the abalone reached out and grabbed the crab by its shell. I was freaked out so I coaxed the crab away from the abalone. A few minutes later I saw the abalone reach for my mandarin as it went past. These actions don't match anything that I have read? Is this odd behavior? In your opinion is it possible the abalone will eat my other critters?
Thanks for your time,
Matt
<Is very odd... All Haliotids are macrophagous herbivores when they're of any size (an inch or more)... I did a stint working in the same area as David Leighton of much Abalone research/publishing note, and have visited facilities that raise Abs... never heard of this. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Wrasse eating an abalone?   4/1/07
Just a short question today guys. I have recently purchased a lone 3 cm 6-lined wrasse for my 10 gallon tank. I was wondering if this fish would pose a problem to my hitch-hiking abalone (1cm Radius). Thanks
<With this size ratio of the wrasse to abalone, it unlikely he will be able to consume the animal right "now." However as he matures and grows, and he will grow quickly at this size...the abalone will be fair game as will any other smaller invertebrate life like amphipods...it's only a matter of time. **AJ**>

Abalone, Haliotis, BTA, Entacmaea quadricolor Compatibility – 3/7/07
Hi,
<Hi Brian, Brenda here tonight>
Love the website & thanks for the help!!
<Thank you Brian and you’re welcome!>
I received an abalone today from LiveAquaria.com.  After acclimating and placing it in my tank, I noticed two small anemones on the abalone’s shell.
<No doubt a pest anemone of some sort.>
I also have in the tank a rose colored bulb tip anemone.  Will there be any compatibility problems?
<You will not have any compatibility problems with the BTA and Abalone.  However, do get rid of the pest anemones that arrived with your order before they take over your tank.  More information here:  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i3/aiptasia_impressions/aiptaisia_impressions.htm>
Thanks,
Brian
<You’re welcome!   Brenda>