Eastern oyster

Crassostrea virginica

The eastern oyster is a stationary bivalve native to the Atlantic coast of North America. Groups of oysters build reefs that shelter many other animals.

Not a fish · an aquatic neighbor

Water

Saltwater + Brackish

Firm bottoms, oyster reefs, estuaries, and shallow coastal waters.

Temperature

Range not established

A dependable species-specific wild temperature range was not found; values are left unreported.

Size

Usually 7.6–12.7 cm (3–5 in), up to about 20 cm (8 in)

An average oyster is about palm-sized

Lifespan

Up to about 20 years

Life expectancy varies with place, conditions, and what scientists have been able to observe.

01 · Signature adaptation

What does it do?

Adults attach permanently to hard surfaces and to one another. They begin life as males and may later develop female reproductive capabilities.

Its superpowerIt filters food from water while creating three-dimensional reef habitat.

02 · Home coordinates

Where does it live?

Atlantic North America from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico.

Regions: Gulf of St. Lawrence · Atlantic coast of North America · Gulf of Mexico · Chesapeake Bay

03 · The menu

What does it eat?

It pumps water through its gills and captures tiny food particles.

filter feeder: phytoplankton, microalgae, suspended organic particles.

04 · Remember this

Two wow facts

Reef architect

Oyster reefs provide shelter and feeding areas for fish, crabs, birds, and many invertebrates.

Sources [1]

Massive spawning

A single female can release more than 100 million eggs during one spawning event.

Sources [1]