72 
The South Australian Naturalist. 
SHELL COLLECTORS’ CLUB. 
This Club, having concluded its initial review of S.A. Bi- 
valves. commenced a study of the univalves on the evening of 
February 15th. Among the shells discussed were the family— 
FAMILY HALIOTIDAE. 
The Haliotis, or “sea-ear,” commonly known in South 
Australia as “mutton fish,” evidently provided a staple article of 
diet for the aborigines — judging by the remains that are^ found 
in some of the “kitchen middens.” A number of species inhabit 
our seas, the principal ones being — 
//. albicans, a large, smoothed-backed variety, occasionally found 
washed up on most of our beaches, probably a deep water 
form. 
//. cyclobates, of medium size, with more elevated body whorl. 
\"ery common in St. \ incent Gulf, particularly at the Outer 
Harbor, where it is found attached to the valves of Pinna, 
H. naevosa. Plentiful at Port Willunga on the reef under flat 
stones. ^ ^ , r • 1 
II. roei. Rather a scarce species, with closely laid rows of circular 
ridges. 
H, emmae. Also uncommon. Noted for the prominent ridge 
above the perforation. 
The measurement of a set of specimens tabled were as fol- 
Length. 
Breadth 
Height. 
mm. 
mm. 
mm. 
196 
X 
157 
X 60 
95 
X 
82 
X 40 
85 
X 
68 
X 30 
125 
X 
95 
X 40 
85 
X 
66 
X 25 
lows : 
II. albicans 
II. cyclobates 
II. roei 
H . naevosa 
H, emmae 
As a comparison it was noted that^the Northern Territory 
species H. asinina, measured 85 x 40 x 23. ^ j j- r 
The perforations are an interesting feature, being used lor 
the discharge of rvater from the gills, the outermost 
sion of wmste matter from the intestines. \ oung shells 
open holes, these being added as the shell giws. but closed as tne 
animal grows past them. It was noted that the peiloratio 
in use on the five species mentioned were — , 
albicans^ 8; cyclobates, 6; roei, 8; naevosa, 5; einmae, d; 
the N. T. specimen, asinina, 7. . . 
The Haliotis is called commonly m Europe, Urmer ; m 
erica, “Abalone”; France. “Sileux”, or six eyes. 
