The abalone (Haliotis sp.) belongs to the phylum Mollusca, which is even older than that of the shark-molluscan fossil records have been dated back to over 500 million years. Different species of abalone can be found from the inter tidal zone to depths of 165 meters (540 feet). Giant kelp is the main food source of abalone. An abalone eats by partially raising off of its rock to capture pieces of kelp as they drift by. (photo: Glenn Allen)