✵The article records the herb Sea-ear Shell—its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, and its source: six animal species—(1) Haliotis diversicolor Reeve, (2) Haliotis discus hannai Ino, (3) Haliotis ovina Gmelin, (4) Haliotis ruber Leach, (5) Haliotis asinina Linnaeus, and (6) Haliotis laevigata Donovan—with a detailed introduction to the morphological features of these six animal species, their growth characteristics and ecological environments, the characteristics of the herb Sea-ear Shell, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Concha Haliotidis (Sea-ear Shell)
Pinyin Name: Shí Jué Míng
English Name: Sea-ear Shell
Latin Name:Concha Haliotidis Property and Flavor: Neutral in nature; salty in flavor.
Brief Introduction: The herb Concha Haliotidis is the shell of Haliotis diversicolor Reeve, Haliotis asinina Linnaeus, or Haliotis laevigata Donovan. It is used (1) to pacify the liver and subdue exuberant Yang for treating liver-Yang rising manifested as headache and vertigo, and (2) to clear liver heat and improve vision for treating glaucoma and cataracts. The herb is commonly known as Concha Haliotidis, Sea-ear Shell, or Shí Jué Míng.
Source: Common official herbal classics and other renowned herbal works define Concha Haliotidis (Sea-ear Shell) as the shell of the following species: (1) Haliotis diversicolor Reeve, (2) Haliotis discus hannai Ino, (3) Haliotis ovina Gmelin, (4) Haliotis ruber Leach, (5) Haliotis asinina Linnaeus, and (6) Haliotis laevigata Donovan. These are small marine gastropods belonging to the family Haliotidae, order Archaeogastropoda. The six commonly accepted source species are described below:
(1) Haliotis diversicolor Reeve
Shellfish Description: Commonly known as Zá Sè Bào or Jiǔ Kǒng Bào, or Haliotis diversicolor. The shell is ovoid; the chitinous layer (shell substance) is firm and solid, measuring 80–93 mm in length and 58–68 mm in width. The apex is blunt and located at the posterior end of the shell. The spire (spiral portion) is short and low, slightly elevated above the body whorl surface. The spiral whorls number approximately three; the suture is shallow. From the middle-to-upper part of the second spiral whorl to the edge and terminus of the body whorl, there are orderly arranged protrusions and pores that gradually increase in size. Protrusions on the anterior portion are small and indistinct; those lacking pores bear a concave pit at their summit. Six to nine protrusions are markedly large; each pore connects internally, forming respiratory and excretory apertures, and tentacles may extend through these canals.
The body whorl is divided by protrusions and pores into ribbed zones, forming a broad, steeply inclined plane—accounting for the majority of the shell surface. Irregular ribs and fine growth lines mark the outer surface; with shell development, growth lines progressively form distinct, wavy ridges. The shell surface is olive-brown (greenish-brown), sometimes mottled with yellow and red patches. However, due to epibionts such as bryozoans and calcareous tubeworms (e.g., Spirorbis or Hydroides spp.), it often appears taupe (grayish brown or dusty brown). The worn apex exhibits a nacreous (pearly) luster; the inner shell surface is silvery white, displaying strong iridescent nacre.
The aperture is oval (egg-shaped) and nearly equal in size to the body whorl. The soft body has a pair of thin, elongated tentacles on the dorsal side of the head, and one pair of stalked eyes. The ventral surface bears a protrusive proboscis; the mouth is a longitudinal slit at the anterior end, containing mandibles and a hyoid tooth. The foot is highly developed; its oral opening matches the aperture size and is subdivided into upper and lower portions—the lower foot being disc-shaped. The central muscle of the entire foot is raised and cylindrical, forming the large right adductor muscle, which attaches dorsally to the shell. Along the lower margin of the right adductor muscle, the general digestive gland is visible—breen (dark brownish green) in color. During the breeding season, the gonad appears celadon (sage green) in females and milky yellow in males. The species lacks an operculum.
Ecological Environment: The shellfish lives near the subtidal zone of warm seas, at depths of about 10 meters, on rocky reefs or coral reef substrates. It inhabits environments characterized by high salinity, clear water, and abundant algal growth, crawling using its broad foot or firmly adhering to rocks—or hiding in reef crevices. When feeding, the tip of the radula (lingual teeth) extends to scrape algae—including diatoms, Rhodophyta (red algae), and Phaeophyceae (brown algae)—from rock surfaces. It is distributed along the southern coast of China and is one of the preferred aquaculture species in this region.
Characteristics of the Herb: It is a long ovoid (elongated oval) shell, with a slightly auriform (ear-shaped) inner surface; 7–9 cm in length, 5–6 cm in width, and approximately 2 cm in height. The surface is crimson (garnet-red or dark red), bearing numerous irregular ribs and fine, dense growth lines. The spire is small; the body whorl is large. From the apex of the spire, over 20 verrucous protrusions are arranged in a right-handed spiral; 6–9 of these terminate in open pores whose orifices lie flush with the shell surface. The inner surface is smooth and exhibits a strong nacreous iridescence. The shell is thick, slightly smooth, firm and hard—resistant to fracture—with a cross-sectional thickness of 0.5–10 mm and clearly visible laminar layers. The herb has a faint odor or is odorless and tastes slightly salty.
(2) Haliotis discus hannai Ino
Shellfish Description: Also known as Haliotis gigantea discus Reeve (H. gigantea discus Reeve), it is commonly called Zhòu Wén Pán Bào, Xiā Yí Pán Bào, or Pán Dà Bào. Shells are elliptical, measuring 120–125 mm in length and 82–85 mm in width. The apex is flat and located posteriorly, slightly elevated above the shell surface. The spiral whorls number approximately three; sutures between whorls are shallow. From the middle of the second spiral whorl, a single column of 20–30 protrusions spirals from right to left—gradually increasing in size—extending to the edge of the body whorl. Three to five protrusions near the aperture bear open pores that connect internally and externally, forming respiratory apertures; a distinct spiral groove runs along the ventral side of this pore column. The shell surface is dark olive-brown, covered with coarse, irregular wrinkles. On larger specimens, bryozoans and serpulid polychaetes (e.g., Spirorbis spp.) often form raised epibiotic attachments. The inner surface is silvery white and displays a pearly luster.
Ecological Environment: They prefer waters with weak tidal currents, high water transparency, and luxuriant growth of Phaeophyceae (brown algae). They inhabit depths of 3–15 meters; fewer individuals occur in deeper subtidal or profundal zones below 20 meters. Larvae feed primarily on diatoms, whereas adults consume Phaeophyceae (brown algae), Rhodophyta (red algae), foraminiferans, copepods, polychaetes, and other small organisms. They are distributed along coastal regions and represent the largest and most productive species within the genus Haliotis. Currently, they are successfully cultured not only in northern coastal areas but also in southern coastal regions.
Characteristics of the Herb: It is oblong-oval, 8–12 cm long, 6–8 cm wide, and 2–3 cm high. The surface is taupe-brown, marked by coarse, irregular wrinkles; growth lines are prominent and often obscured by epibionts such as bryozoans or serpulids (e.g., Spirorbis spp.). Four to five open pores occur at the terminal end, their orifices projecting slightly above the shell surface. The shell is relatively thin, with a cross-sectional thickness of 0.5–5 mm.
(3) Haliotis ovina Gmelin.
Shellfish Description: Commonly known as Yáng Bào or Taiwan Shí Jué Míng. The shell is thin and broad, flat-ovoid in shape, measuring 80–88 mm in length—sometimes exceeding 100 mm—with a width approximately 5/7 of its length and a height about 1/4 to 1/5 of its length. The apex lies near the center; the spire and body whorl each occupy roughly half the shell’s length. Spiral whorls number approximately four. From the second spiral whorl to the edge of the body whorl, over 20 protrusions are present; 4–5 near the aperture are open, tubular respiratory pores; the remainder are blind (closed). Ribs on the shell surface are broad and prominent, rendering it rough and uneven; bryozoan encrustations may form additional verrucous protuberances. The surface color is celadon (sage green or grayish green) or brownish, often with scattered orange-yellow and white variegations. The inner surface is silvery white and exhibits a turquoise nacreous luster.
Ecological Environment: It inhabits the sublittoral zone—associated with rocky and coral reef substrates and benthic algal communities—and is found along coastal areas. Its flesh is edible. It occurs in China and Australia.
Characteristics of the Herb: It is orbicular (rotund), small, 4–8 cm in length, 2.5–6 cm in width, and 0.8–2 cm in height. The apex is located near the center and projects slightly above the shell surface; the spire and body whorl each occupy approximately half the shell’s length. Two rows of orderly arranged protrusions originate from the edge of the spire—especially prominent in the upper portion—and terminate in 4–5 tubular open pores.
(4) Haliotis ruber Leach
Shellfish Description: Commonly known as Ào Zhōu Bào. Haliotis ruber is native to Australian marine waters. It is large and robust. Small individuals weigh 200–300 g; large specimens reach 600–700 g. The shell is thick and bears 7–9 open pores. In older, larger individuals, the shell surface is often overgrown with filamentous algae, appearing red or light yellow.
Wild abalone require approximately eight years to reach a mass of about one kilogram. Harvesting involves professional divers descending to depths of 20 meters in the cold, turbulent waters off southern Australia to collect this rare mollusk. Australian abalone is highly valued.
Australia produces approximately 4,600 tonnes of wild abalone annually under strict fisheries management regulations. These fresh, robust, wild-caught abalones are harvested by certified divers who descend into cold, dimly lit ocean currents at depths of 20 meters below sea level.
There are three principal commercial types of Australian abalone: Blacklip Abalone (Haliotis rubra), Greenlip Abalone (Haliotis laevigata), and hybrid crosses between them. Although morphologically distinct and historically associated with different geographic regions, Blacklip and Greenlip abalones do not naturally interbreed. Blacklip abalone are predominantly found along the southern Australian coastline—approximately 40°S latitude—on the eastern Indian Ocean coast; Greenlip abalone inhabit the southwestern Australian coast, including the Great Australian Bight.
Characteristics of the Herb: It is flat-oval (flattened egg-shaped), 13–17 cm long, 11–14 cm wide, and 3.5–6 cm high. The surface is brick-red; the spire occupies roughly half the shell surface. Ribs and growth lines are undulating; more than 30 verrucous protrusions are present, terminating in 7–9 open pores whose orifices project slightly above the shell surface.
(5) Haliotis asinina Linnaeus
Shellfish Description: Commonly known as Ěr Bào. The shell is small and flattened, auriform (ear-shaped), measuring 65–70 mm in length; its width is less than half the length, and its height is approximately one-third of its width. The shell is thin and slightly twisted. A row of respiratory pores originates from the second spiral whorl near the edge of the body whorl, bearing about 30 protrusions; the largest terminal protrusions contain 4–7 open pores—six being most common. From the second spiral whorl to the shell margin, four to five distinct ribs are present. Growth lines on the surface are conspicuous; the shell is notably smooth and lustrous, typically exhibiting emerald (jade-green) or yellowish-brown hues, overlaid with purplish-brown (puce) and khaki triangular streaks. Some specimens display irregular, cloud-like mottling composed of multiple colors. The inner surface is silvery white, with pale green iridescence and a pearly luster.
Ecological Environment: It inhabits rocky and coral reef substrates—associated with benthic algal communities—in the subtidal zone. Its foot muscle is highly developed and powerfully motile; a deep longitudinal groove runs along the posterior margin of the foot, enabling the animal to invert and envelop the entire shell with its foot. Its flesh is edible. It occurs on coastal islands of China.
Characteristics of the Herb: It is narrow and elongated, slightly twisted, and auriform (ear-shaped), measuring 5–7 cm in length, 2.5–3.5 cm in width, and approximately 1 cm in height. The surface is smooth, marked by emerald (jade-green), purplish, and brown tones. The spire is small; the body whorl is large. Five to seven open pores occur terminally, their orifices flush with the shell surface and predominantly elliptical in shape. The shell is thin; the chitinous layer is brittle; the cross-sectional thickness measures 0.5–1.5 mm.
(6) Haliotis laevigata Donovan
Shellfish Description: Commonly known as Bái Bào. The shell is oval (egg-shaped), measuring 11–14 cm in length, 8.5–11 cm in width, and 3–6.5 cm in height. The surface is brick-red and smooth; the apex projects above the shell surface. Growth lines are prominent; the spire occupies approximately one-third of the shell surface and bears over 30 verrucous protrusions. Nine open pores occur terminally, their orifices flush with the shell surface.
Characteristics of the Herb: It is oval (egg-shaped), 11–14 cm long, 8.5–11 cm wide, and 3–6.5 cm high. The surface is brick-red (erythrinus) and smooth; the apex projects above the shell surface, and growth lines are prominent. The spire occupies approximately one-third of the shell surface and bears over 30 verrucous protrusions; nine open pores occur terminally, their orifices flush with the shell surface.
Pharmacological Actions: (1) neutralize excessive gastric acid; (2) antipyretic; (3) sedative; (4) spasmolytic; (5) anti-infective and bacteriostatic effects (notably inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), etc.
Medicinal Efficacy: Calming the liver and subduing yang (suppressing hyperactive liver yang), clearing heat, clearing the liver and improving vision (eliminating liver-fire to improve eyesight), and dispelling nebulae. It is indicated for headache and dizziness due to ascending wind-yang; red eyes and nebula (conjunctival congestion, mild corneal opacity); blurred vision; glaucoma (blue blindness, optic atrophy); night blindness; cataracts (blue blindness, cataract); fright-induced spasms; bone-steaming fever (low-grade fever due to yin deficiency); and consumptive fever, etc.
Administration of Concha Haliotidis (Shí Jué Mínɡ):
Reference:
Administration Guide for Concha Haliotidis (Shí Jué Mínɡ)
TCM Books:
(1) Internally:6–20 grams, decocted first; (2) Internally: water decoction (preferably decocted for an extended duration), 0.3–1 liang (approximately 9–30 grams); or prepared as pills or powder. External use: finely ground herb powder mixed with water as eye drops; (3) Internally: water decoction, 10–30 grams, crushed and decocted first; or prepared as pills or powder. External use: appropriate amount, finely ground herb powder mixed with water as eye drops.
Contraindications, Precautions, and Adverse Reactions: Concha Haliotidis should not be combined with Flos Inulae or mica, among others.
✵The article records the herb Sea-ear Shell—its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, and its source: six animal species—(1) Haliotis diversicolor Reeve, (2) Haliotis discus hannai Ino, (3) Haliotis ovina Gmelin, (4) Haliotis ruber Leach, (5) Haliotis asinina Linnaeus, and (6) Haliotis laevigata Donovan—with a detailed introduction to the morphological features of these six animal species, their growth characteristics and ecological environments, the characteristics of the herb Sea-ear Shell, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Shí Jué Míng
Shellfish Description: Commonly known as Zá Sè Bào or Jiǔ Kǒng Bào, or Haliotis diversicolor. The shell is ovoid; the chitinous layer (shell substance) is firm and solid, measuring 80–93 mm in length and 58–68 mm in width. The apex is blunt and located at the posterior end of the shell. The spire (spiral portion) is short and low, slightly elevated above the body whorl surface. The spiral whorls number approximately three; the suture is shallow. From the middle-to-upper part of the second spiral whorl to the edge and terminus of the body whorl, there are orderly arranged protrusions and pores that gradually increase in size. Protrusions on the anterior portion are small and indistinct; those lacking pores bear a concave pit at their summit. Six to nine protrusions are markedly large; each pore connects internally, forming respiratory and excretory apertures, and tentacles may extend through these canals.
Ecological Environment: The shellfish lives near the subtidal zone of warm seas, at depths of about 10 meters, on rocky reefs or coral reef substrates. It inhabits environments characterized by high salinity, clear water, and abundant algal growth, crawling using its broad foot or firmly adhering to rocks—or hiding in reef crevices. When feeding, the tip of the radula (lingual teeth) extends to scrape algae—including diatoms, Rhodophyta (red algae), and Phaeophyceae (brown algae)—from rock surfaces. It is distributed along the southern coast of China and is one of the preferred aquaculture species in this region.
Characteristics of the Herb: It is a long ovoid (elongated oval) shell, with a slightly auriform (ear-shaped) inner surface; 7–9 cm in length, 5–6 cm in width, and approximately 2 cm in height. The surface is crimson (garnet-red or dark red), bearing numerous irregular ribs and fine, dense growth lines. The spire is small; the body whorl is large. From the apex of the spire, over 20 verrucous protrusions are arranged in a right-handed spiral; 6–9 of these terminate in open pores whose orifices lie flush with the shell surface. The inner surface is smooth and exhibits a strong nacreous iridescence. The shell is thick, slightly smooth, firm and hard—resistant to fracture—with a cross-sectional thickness of 0.5–10 mm and clearly visible laminar layers. The herb has a faint odor or is odorless and tastes slightly salty.
Shellfish Description: Also known as Haliotis gigantea discus Reeve (H. gigantea discus Reeve), it is commonly called Zhòu Wén Pán Bào, Xiā Yí Pán Bào, or Pán Dà Bào. Shells are elliptical, measuring 120–125 mm in length and 82–85 mm in width. The apex is flat and located posteriorly, slightly elevated above the shell surface. The spiral whorls number approximately three; sutures between whorls are shallow. From the middle of the second spiral whorl, a single column of 20–30 protrusions spirals from right to left—gradually increasing in size—extending to the edge of the body whorl. Three to five protrusions near the aperture bear open pores that connect internally and externally, forming respiratory apertures; a distinct spiral groove runs along the ventral side of this pore column. The shell surface is dark olive-brown, covered with coarse, irregular wrinkles. On larger specimens, bryozoans and serpulid polychaetes (e.g., Spirorbis spp.) often form raised epibiotic attachments. The inner surface is silvery white and displays a pearly luster.
Ecological Environment: They prefer waters with weak tidal currents, high water transparency, and luxuriant growth of Phaeophyceae (brown algae). They inhabit depths of 3–15 meters; fewer individuals occur in deeper subtidal or profundal zones below 20 meters. Larvae feed primarily on diatoms, whereas adults consume Phaeophyceae (brown algae), Rhodophyta (red algae), foraminiferans, copepods, polychaetes, and other small organisms. They are distributed along coastal regions and represent the largest and most productive species within the genus Haliotis. Currently, they are successfully cultured not only in northern coastal areas but also in southern coastal regions.
Characteristics of the Herb: It is oblong-oval, 8–12 cm long, 6–8 cm wide, and 2–3 cm high. The surface is taupe-brown, marked by coarse, irregular wrinkles; growth lines are prominent and often obscured by epibionts such as bryozoans or serpulids (e.g., Spirorbis spp.). Four to five open pores occur at the terminal end, their orifices projecting slightly above the shell surface. The shell is relatively thin, with a cross-sectional thickness of 0.5–5 mm.
Shellfish Description: Commonly known as Yáng Bào or Taiwan Shí Jué Míng. The shell is thin and broad, flat-ovoid in shape, measuring 80–88 mm in length—sometimes exceeding 100 mm—with a width approximately 5/7 of its length and a height about 1/4 to 1/5 of its length. The apex lies near the center; the spire and body whorl each occupy roughly half the shell’s length. Spiral whorls number approximately four. From the second spiral whorl to the edge of the body whorl, over 20 protrusions are present; 4–5 near the aperture are open, tubular respiratory pores; the remainder are blind (closed). Ribs on the shell surface are broad and prominent, rendering it rough and uneven; bryozoan encrustations may form additional verrucous protuberances. The surface color is celadon (sage green or grayish green) or brownish, often with scattered orange-yellow and white variegations. The inner surface is silvery white and exhibits a turquoise nacreous luster.
Shellfish Description: Commonly known as Ào Zhōu Bào. Haliotis ruber is native to Australian marine waters. It is large and robust. Small individuals weigh 200–300 g; large specimens reach 600–700 g. The shell is thick and bears 7–9 open pores. In older, larger individuals, the shell surface is often overgrown with filamentous algae, appearing red or light yellow.
Australia produces approximately 4,600 tonnes of wild abalone annually under strict fisheries management regulations. These fresh, robust, wild-caught abalones are harvested by certified divers who descend into cold, dimly lit ocean currents at depths of 20 meters below sea level.
Shellfish Description: Commonly known as Ěr Bào. The shell is small and flattened, auriform (ear-shaped), measuring 65–70 mm in length; its width is less than half the length, and its height is approximately one-third of its width. The shell is thin and slightly twisted. A row of respiratory pores originates from the second spiral whorl near the edge of the body whorl, bearing about 30 protrusions; the largest terminal protrusions contain 4–7 open pores—six being most common. From the second spiral whorl to the shell margin, four to five distinct ribs are present. Growth lines on the surface are conspicuous; the shell is notably smooth and lustrous, typically exhibiting emerald (jade-green) or yellowish-brown hues, overlaid with purplish-brown (puce) and khaki triangular streaks. Some specimens display irregular, cloud-like mottling composed of multiple colors. The inner surface is silvery white, with pale green iridescence and a pearly luster.
Ecological Environment: It inhabits rocky and coral reef substrates—associated with benthic algal communities—in the subtidal zone. Its foot muscle is highly developed and powerfully motile; a deep longitudinal groove runs along the posterior margin of the foot, enabling the animal to invert and envelop the entire shell with its foot. Its flesh is edible. It occurs on coastal islands of China.
Shellfish Description: Commonly known as Bái Bào. The shell is oval (egg-shaped), measuring 11–14 cm in length, 8.5–11 cm in width, and 3–6.5 cm in height. The surface is brick-red and smooth; the apex projects above the shell surface. Growth lines are prominent; the spire occupies approximately one-third of the shell surface and bears over 30 verrucous protrusions. Nine open pores occur terminally, their orifices flush with the shell surface.
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