Ostreidae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids True Oysters |
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| Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas | |
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Ostreidae
Rafinesque, 1815
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True oysters are a special family of shellfish called Ostreidae. When you hear the word "oyster," most of the time people are talking about these true oysters. Many kinds of true oysters are eaten by people all over the world.
It's important to know that not all oysters are "true oysters." For example, pearl oysters are different. They belong to a separate group of animals called the Pterioida. Even though they both have shells and live in the water, they are not closely related.
What Makes True Oysters Special?
True oysters have some unique features. Just like scallops, they have a strong muscle in the middle of their body. This muscle is called an adductor muscle. It helps the oyster open and close its two shells.
When you look at the inside of an oyster's shell, you might see a mark or a "scar." This scar is where the adductor muscle was attached to the shell. It's a key sign that you are looking at a true oyster.
How Their Shells Grow
Oysters often attach themselves to hard surfaces in the water. These surfaces can be rocks, other shells, or even boat hulls. Because they grow attached to things, their shells often look a bit bumpy or uneven. They don't always have a perfectly smooth or round shape like some other shellfish. This irregular shape is normal for true oysters.
Images for kids
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Crassostrea rhizophorae
See also
In Spanish: Ostreidaes para niños
