True Oysters [Ostreidae]

Description

The Ostreidae family, commonly known as true oysters, are bivalve mollusks that have a highly calcified shell. They are filter feeders, drawing water in over their gills through the beating of cilia. True oysters are known for their ability to produce pearls, although not all species do so. They are sessile, living attached to rocks or other hard surfaces in marine or brackish environments. Oysters from this family are a significant part of the diet in many cultures and are cultivated extensively for food.

Genera

True Oysters [Ostrea]

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Cupped Oysters [Crassostrea]

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Windowpane Oysters [Placuna]

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Rock Oysters [Saccostrea]

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Taxonomy