Santa Barbara to Baja California. Filter feeder, prey to Sea Otters and Octopuses. Spawning occurs in early summer to early fall, and average females shed 2-3.5 million eggs per year. The largest animals may be as much as 20 years old. Observations indicate that the moray eel will seldom eat abalone but readily take octopods and deter human abalone hunters.
Shells are very popular decorations for humans.
Pacific Coast Native Americans used the Abalone shells to make fish hooks and jewelry.