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Description:
Eastern oysters may reach a size of approximately 8 inches. Body shape is
generally oval, narrowing at the umbo end of the shell. Shell surface
is irregular and may be scalloped, wrinkled, or rough. Valves are unequal,
with one typically lying flat, while the other is deep. Surface of
shell interior is generally white, with a purple muscle scar.
Habitat:
Eastern oysters are generally found in the intertidal to subtidal zones.
Individuals cement themselves to others of the same species,
eventually forming reef-like structures as shown in the figure above.
Eastern oysters prefer areas of low salinity.
Range:
The range of the eastern oyster extends along the east coast from Canada to
Texas, and includes the West Indies.
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Individual eastern oyster,
Crassostrea virginica, from the Indian River Lagoon. Photo courtesy of
K. Hill, Smithsonian Marine Station.
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Oyster reef in the Indian River Lagoon, composed primarily of Crassostrea
virginica. Photo courtesy of K. Hill, Smithsonian Marine Station.
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