European Flat Oyster

Ostrea edulis

Explore the European Flat Oyster (Ostrea edulis) species record in The Ark Is Earth, including classification, habitat, distribution, conservation information, and sources.

Summary

The European Flat Oyster is a bivalve native to shallow coastal waters of Europe and nearby northwestern African seas. It filters plankton from seawater and can form beds that create habitat for other marine life. Disease, overharvesting, and habitat degradation have reduced many wild oyster beds.

Classification in this archive

Animals › Mollusca › Bivalves › Ostreida › Ostreidae › Ostrea

Habitat and distribution

Regions in this record: Africa, Europe

Demonstration note

[DEMO] European flat oysters can change sex during their lives and brood young inside the shell.