Spawning may be controlled by the water temperature or length of the day. The presence of eggs and sperm in the water may stimulate other abalone to spawn, thus increasing the chances of fertilization. The egg hatches as a microscopic, free living larvae. If suitable habitat is located it may grow to adulthood. Hybrid abalone are not uncommon in areas where several species occur together.
All species can hybridize, but the most common hybrids are red and white with pink.
Food Abalone eat marine algae in the wild and on some farms. The adults feed on loose pieces drifting with the surge or current. Large brown algae such as giant kelp, bull kelp, feather boa kelp and elk kelp are preferred, although most others may be eaten at various times. For cultured abalone, many farms now use high quality manufactured food, which is healthy, efficient and produces very high quality meat. Wild abalone tend to stay in one location waiting for food to drift by.