Ostrea

Common Names

Oysters belonging to the genus Ostrea are commonly referred to as "true oysters" or "flat oysters" to distinguish them from other oyster species. Specific species within the genus may have additional common names depending on their geographic location. For example, Ostrea edulis is known as the "European flat oyster" or simply "European oyster".

Characteristics

Oysters in the genus Ostrea exhibit several key characteristics:

• Irregular shell shape: Unlike some other oysters, Ostrea species have shells that are often deeply cupped and irregularly shaped. The upper valve is typically smaller and flatter than the lower valve.
• Rough shell surface: The shells of Ostrea oysters are characterized by their rough, textured surface, often covered in ridges and bumps.
• Filter feeders: Oysters are filter feeders, meaning they extract food particles from the water column using their gills. They play an important role in marine ecosystems by filtering out phytoplankton and other particulate matter.
• Sessile lifestyle: Oysters are sessile, meaning they attach themselves to a solid substrate and remain in one place for their entire life. They typically attach themselves using a cement-like substance produced by their foot.

Environments

Oysters in the genus Ostrea are found in a variety of coastal environments, typically in intertidal or subtidal zones. They prefer areas with moderate water flow, salinity, and temperatures. Oysters are often found attached to rocks, oyster reefs, or other hard substrates. They are sensitive to pollution and habitat degradation, making their populations vulnerable to environmental changes.

References

For further information, please refer to the following sources:

• World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
• Wikipedia
• FishBase