öyster

Öyster is a genus of bivalve mollusks that belong to the family Ostreidae. These marine and brackish water clams are widely recognized for their edible flesh and, in some species, for their ability to produce pearls. Öyster species are found in temperate and tropical coastal waters around the world. They are sessile, meaning they attach themselves to a hard surface and remain in one place for most of their adult lives. This attachment is typically made to rocks, pilings, or other oyster shells.

The life cycle of an öyster begins with external fertilization. Males release sperm into the water, which fertilizes the eggs released by females. The resulting larvae are free-swimming for a period before settling on a suitable substrate. Once settled, they undergo metamorphosis and attach themselves, developing their characteristic shells. Öysters are filter feeders, drawing water into their shells and extracting plankton and other small food particles. This filtering process plays a vital role in maintaining water quality in coastal ecosystems.

Economically, öysters are highly valued for both their meat and their pearls. Oysters are cultivated in many parts of the world in aquaculture operations. The nutritional value of oyster meat is high, containing protein, vitamins, and minerals. The pearl-producing ability is specific to certain species, primarily those within the genus Pinctada, though the term "öyster" is often used colloquially to refer to both pearl oysters and edible oysters. The harvesting and consumption of öysters have a long history in many cultures.