A REVIEW OF THE CULTURE OF TROPICAL ABALONE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TOTHAILAND

Most species of abalone cultured throughout the world are either tempe rate or sub-tropical, and are relatively large compared with tropical species. However, markets for small or 'cocktail size' abalone are gro wing rapidly. Three species of tropical abalone are found in Thai wate rs: Haliotis asinina, H. ovina and H. varia. At present, there is no c ommercial abalone culture in Thailand. This paper reviews the current research into the culture of tropical Thai abalone and both the advant ages and disadvantages for cultivation. Although more research is need ed, preliminary investigations indicate that the high growth rates and ease of spawning of Thai abalone offer excellent potential for cultiv ation.