Paua vs. Abalone — What's the Difference?

A species of abalone found in New Zealand, distinguished by its colorful shell.

Global efforts to protect abalone from overfishing and poaching.

Paua as a sought-after ingredient in traditional New Zealand dishes.

The external covering of abalone, which is often used in decorative items.

The indigenous culture of New Zealand, which holds paua in high esteem.

A marine snail found in various parts of the world, valued for its meat and shell.

The hard, outer covering of paua, known for its iridescent qualities.

In some cultures, abalone shells are used in jewelry and as musical instruments.

Efforts to protect paua populations in New Zealand from overfishing.

Abalone is a luxury item in many cuisines, especially Asian.

A large, edible abalone, Haliotis iris, native to New Zealand, whose shell is used to make jewelry.

Abalone ( (listen) or ; via Spanish abulón, from Rumsen aulón) is a common name for any of a group of small to very large marine gastropod molluscs in the family Haliotidae.Other common names are ear shells, sea ears, and, rarely, muttonfish or muttonshells in parts of Australia, ormer in the UK, perlemoen in South Africa, and the Maori name for three species in New Zealand is pāua.Abalone are marine snails. Their taxonomy puts them in the family Haliotidae, which contains only one genus, Haliotis, which once contained six subgenera.

The shell of this mollusc.

Any of various large edible marine gastropods of the genus Haliotis, having an ear-shaped shell with a row of holes along the outer edge. The colorful pearly interior of the shell is often used for making jewelry or other ornaments. Also called ear shell.

A fish hook made from this shell.

An edible univalve mollusc of the genus Haliotis, having a shell lined with mother-of-pearl.

The meat of the aforementioned mollusc.

A univalve mollusk of the genus Haliotis. The shell is lined with mother-of-pearl, and used for ornamental purposes; the sea-ear. Several large species are found on the coast of California, clinging closely to the rocks.

Any of various large edible marine gastropods of the genus Haliotis having an ear-shaped shell with pearly interior

Paua shells hold significant value in Maori culture for their use in jewelry and traditional art.

Paua is specific to New Zealand and is noted for its uniquely vibrant shell colors.

Abalone is prized for its tender texture and is often served in luxury dishes, especially in Asian cuisines.

Yes, paua is endemic to New Zealand, making their shells unique to the region.

New Zealand implements strict quotas and size limits to protect paua from overfishing.

While they are similar, the taste can vary depending on the species, diet, and preparation method.

Yes, paua is considered a delicacy in New Zealand, often used in traditional dishes.

Both face conservation concerns, but the severity and measures differ, with paua closely monitored in New Zealand and abalone facing global threats.

Yes, abalone shells are used in various cultures for decoration, jewelry, and even in musical instruments.

They are used in jewelry, decorative items, and traditional art, reflecting their cultural significance and natural beauty.

While abalone shells can have some coloration, paua shells are specifically known for their vibrant and iridescent hues.

Overfishing and environmental changes are major threats to both, though specific challenges may vary by region.

Its scarcity, harvesting difficulty, and delicate flavor make abalone a luxury food item in many cultures.

Yes, there are several species of abalone, with paua being a distinctive type found in New Zealand.

Paua shells are identifiable by their bright, iridescent colors, unlike the typically more subdued abalone shells.