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Animal profile

Eastern Oyster

Crassostrea virginica

BivalviaEstuarine intertidal and shallow subtidal hard bottom, forming reefs

Field profile

The eastern oyster is a reef-forming bivalve that cements itself to hard surfaces, including the shells of other oysters. It filters plankton and suspended particles from estuarine water. Its reefs provide structure and habitat for many other species.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2024-03-01

Eastern Oyster

Most eastern oysters begin life as males

Crassostrea virginica typically matures first as a male and later switches to female, and some individuals switch back. Sex is not fixed at settlement; it responds to size, age and conditions such as food supply.

Read with evidence →

Eastern Oyster | Daily Animal Facts