About coloration of H. assimilis see:

Olsen D.A, 1968a - Banding patterns of Haliotis rufescens as
indicators of botanical and animal succession. Biol. Bull., 134(1):
139-141.
Olsen D.A, 1968b - Banding patterns in Haliotis - II Some behavioral
considerations and the effect of diet on shell coloration for
Haliotis rufescens, Haliotis corrugata, Haliotis sorenseni, and
Haliotis assimilis. Veliger, 11(2): 135- 139.

With regards

Riccardo Giannuzzi Savelli




>I am certainly not an expert.  However, having observed both
>kamchatkana and assimilis in the field, it seems there is a
>significant difference in the shell structure that might justify a
>difference in species. Assimilis has a rounder more elevated shell
>with a ribbed like surface.  It also tends to be more variable in
>color occasionally orange or banded with orange. Is it possible that
>the two species hybridize at the north range of assimilis and the
>south range of kamchatkana? I have seen other Haliotis species that
>are hybrids.
>
>Regards,
>Paul
>
>
>On Feb 3, 2010, at 5:52 PM, Martin E. Tremor, Jr wrote:
>
>>Could any of the experts on this wonderful list serve knowledgeable
>>in the Family Haliotidae clarify the status of Haliotis assimilis
>>Dall, 1878 from Baja California. Is this a separate species or is
>>it a subspecies of Haliotis kamtschatkana Jonas, 1845?
>>
>>Thanks for any help,
>>
>>Martin
>>

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------