Crassostrea virginica
Vernacular names
Eastern oyster
Distribution and status
Non-native.
The map provided here shows the distribution of the species based on Conchological Society data.
Ecology and behaviour
This species was originally imported (pre 1939) but has not yet established breeding populations in the wild.
Key identification features
- The shell margins near the beak are smooth
- The margin of the shell is flat
- The muscle scar is purple or brown
Taxon version key
[NBNSYS0000180828]
Sort order
9550
Taxonomic group
Marine bivalve
Solid shell up to 17cm from beak to opposite margin. It is dirty white to brown in colour, occasionally with purple markings. The surface of the shell is sculptured with concentric ridges and lines.