European Flat Oyster
ExploreInvertebrate
European Flat Oyster
ostrea edulis
The European Flat Oyster is a fascinating sea creature that lives in the ocean. These oysters can create beautiful pearls and are often found in sandy or muddy seabeds!
Habitat: Coastal waters and shallow sea beds in Europe.
Appearance
The European Flat Oyster has a distinctive flattened, round-to-oval shell, typically rough and often grey, green, or brown, sometimes with purple flecks. Its lower valve is flat, while the upper one is slightly cupped and irregular, differentiating it from cupped oysters.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassBivalviaOrderOstreidaFamilyOstreidaeGenusOstrea
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Ancient Romans loved eating European Flat Oysters, bringing them from afar for feasts!
Each oyster has a powerful muscle to keep its shell tightly closed, protecting itself!
Oysters breathe underwater by extracting oxygen directly from the water using their gills!
They don't make the famous round pearls, but can create tiny, irregular ones!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Purifier
European Flat Oyster can filter many liters of water daily because they feed by drawing water through their gills, cleaning the environment.
Ability
Gender Bender
European Flat Oyster has the ability to change its sex from male to female and back again, which helps them reproduce successfully.
Ability
Self-Cementer
European Flat Oyster can permanently attach to hard surfaces like rocks or other shells using a natural cement, anchoring them securely.
Ability
Reef Builder
European Flat Oyster can form dense aggregations over time, creating living oyster reefs that provide homes for other marine life.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 8 cm
- Weight
- 75 g
- Lifespan
- 20 years
Diet & Feeding
They slurp up tiny algae and other bits suspended in the water, helping keep it clean.
Primary Foods
- Phytoplankton
- Microalgae
- Detritus
- Suspended organic matter
Foraging Method
- Filter Feeding
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Starfish
Asterias rubens
Starfish can pry open and eat oysters.
eaten by
Green Crab
Carcinus maenas
Crabs use strong claws to crush or open shells.
eats
Harmful Algae
Alexandrium catenella
Oysters filter and consume these microscopic algae.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Filter Feeder
Filter feeders obtain nutrients by straining suspended food particles and small organisms from water.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
common oysteredible oysterflat oyster
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is European Flat Oyster?
8 cm
How much does European Flat Oyster weigh?
75 g
How long does European Flat Oyster live?
20 years
What does European Flat Oyster eat?
They slurp up tiny algae and other bits suspended in the water, helping keep it clean.
Where is European Flat Oyster usually found?
Coastal waters and shallow sea beds in Europe.
How does European Flat Oyster hunt?
Filter Feeding
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
