| Description |
Xenphaliotis californiensis is a intracytoplasmic rickettsial bacterium which infects the gastrointestinal epithelia in wild and farmed abalones causing Withering Abalone Syndrome. Affected abalones with show signs of pedal atrophy, mottled digestive gland, anorexia, weakness and lethargy. Affected abalones can often be found on horizonal as opposed to vertical or inverted surfaces where they are easily removed. |