Pteriidae

Pteriidae is a family of marine bivalve mollusks commonly known as pearl oysters. Members of this family are filter feeders that typically attach to substrates with byssal threads or lie on the seabed in shallow coastal waters, often in warm tropical and subtropical seas.

Genera within Pteriidae include Pinctada, which contains the principal pearl-producing species, and Pteria. The shells are composed of calcium carbonate and have an inner nacreous layer that can surround irritants to form pearls. The pearl industry often uses cultured pearls, produced by inserting a nucleus into the mantle tissue of a Pinctada oyster to initiate nacre deposition around the irritant.

Distribution and habitat: Pteriidae species occur in warm seas around the world, with substantial populations in the Indo-Pacific region. They are commonly found on coral reefs, reef flats, and soft substrates where they can anchor themselves.

Biology and life cycle: Like other bivalves, pteriids are dioecious in many species, releasing eggs and sperm into the water for external fertilization. Larval development includes free-swimming stages before settlement as juveniles. They are filter feeders, extracting phytoplankton and organic particles from the water.

Economic importance and conservation: The most significant economic value of Pteriidae arises from pearl production, both natural and cultured. Wild populations face pressures from overharvesting, habitat degradation, and ocean acidification, while aquaculture has become the primary source of pearls. Many regions regulate harvesting to sustain stocks and practices.

Taxonomy: Pteriidae belongs to the class Bivalvia and is commonly placed within the superfamily Pterioidea in various classifications; taxonomy can vary across sources. The genus Pinctada includes several species important to pearl culture.