Haliotis pustulata: Shell small (to 56 mm), oblong, light to medium weight, depressed, hardly arched, somewhat convex. Anterior margin straight to slightly curved. Spire low to somewhat elevated, visible in ventral view. Holes slightly larger than average, round, slightly raised, usually 4-7 open.
Dorsal surface with spiral cords differing in width up to three fold (in a few specimens cords are hardly visible), cords often more pronounced and tighter spaced close to suture, may bear regularly spaced pustules; pustules may be lined up radially to form prosocline radial folds. Columella wide. Coloration variable; most frequently sepia to dark olive base color with sharp transitions to sand and cream blotchy markings with superimposed tenting and fine spiral mottling. Other known colors include orange, red, rust, grass green, dark cyan. Entire shell usually of same coloration; occasionally changing during ontogeny. Color pattern also as fine tenting only, watercolor transitions, no pattern. Nacre bright white. No muscle scar.

Haliotis pustulata: The European H. tuberculata is more elongated, has a more elevated spire, a narrower columella, and has smaller holes, which are more elevated. Haliotis rugosa from East Africa has deeper spiral grooves contrasting with the fewer and broader spiral cords (see also remarks). Juvenile H. spadicea from South Africa are rounder and more convex, have fewer yet more distinct spiral cords, a narrower columella, and larger holes. The H. imilateralis from East Africa has a more pronounced carina with a fold, is rounder, more lightweight, and the coloration is rarely dark and often with red tones.

Haliotis pustulata: East Africa: Northern Republic of South Africa to Persian Gulf, including the Red Sea and Madagascar. Mediterranean: Israel and Lybia. The species has migrated through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean Sea.
Infralitoral fringe to 20 m, under stones and coral rocks. The species has a peak spawning period in august and september.

Haliotis pustulata: The type(s) of H. pustulata are not with the remainder of Reeve's types in the BMNH. Herbert (1990) evaluated possible syntypes, but concluded that these specimens are not the original material. Herbert (1990) discussed the possibility that H. rugosa and H. pustulata may be mere forms of the same species. The two "subspecies" H. pustulata cruenta and H. p. pustulata are treated here as a color morphs of a single species. The former tends to be more red and to have a somewhat lighter shell. No distinct patterns can be detected.