The implantation of the mabe nucleus

Picture 13: The implantation of the mabe nucleus

Four-year old animals are extracted from their tanks and prepared for the implantation of the mabe nucleus. A special bath for disinfection and anaesthetization allows the sterile and uncomplicated attachment of the nucleus. Without anaesthetic, the Abalone with its strong foot could otherwise complicate the handling and increase the risk of hurting the animal. Abalone bleed easily and the smallest cut would cause the death of the Paúa.

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Picture 14: The big foot of the Abalone is carefully moved aside and one or more holes are drilled into the shell. . The plastic strings, onto which the mabe nuclei are fixed, are passed through the holes from inside, cut outside and are anchored. In this way no glue touches the sensitive interior of the shell. After a short period of recovery the animals are returned to their tanks, where for the next two to three years they will build up a 0,2 - 0,5 mm thick nacre layer around the foreign body.

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