Apnaut

Pāua (black abalone)

Haliotis iris

Pāua (black abalone) (Haliotis iris)

Photo: H. Zell · CC BY-SA 3.0

Depthbetween 0 and 12 m
Habitatrocky bottoms
DifficultyEasy

The Pāua (black abalone) (Haliotis iris) is one of the species that spearfishers and freedivers log in Apnaut. It usually frequents rocky bottoms and is found between 0 and 12 m, so it pays to adjust your search depth. It is usually solitary, which shapes how to approach it.

It's relatively accessible with basic technique. In Apnaut you have its minimum legal size across 1 different zones. Always check your area's current regulations before taking it.

Behaviour: usually solitary.

Minimum legal size by zone

ZoneMinimum size
New Zealand12.5 cm

Where to catch it

Other names

Abulón pāua (es)

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum legal size for Pāua (black abalone)?

It depends on the area. For example, New Zealand: 12.5 cm. See the full size-by-zone table above.

At what depth is Pāua (black abalone) found?

Usually between 0 and 12 m, mostly over rocky bottoms.

Is it hard to spearfish on a single breath?

Its difficulty is “easy”. It is also usually solitary. In Apnaut you can log your catches and their size.

Log it in Apnaut

Add this species to your collection, log your catches with their size and check the legal minimum for your area, all from your phone.

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