European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Ostrea edulis
- Common name
- European flat oyster
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Ostreidae
- Genus
- Ostrea
- Size
- 6–20 cm
- Depth
- 0–80 m
- IUCN status
- Near threatened (NT)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky, estuarine
- Behaviours
- sessile, filter-feeder
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Ostrea edulis reaches 20 cm. Native European flat oyster: nearly flat circular shell, grey-brown exterior with greenish reflections, white nacre inside. Once dominant on European coasts from Norway to Morocco, natural beds collapsed since the 19th century from overfishing and Bonamia disease. IUCN Near Threatened. Traditional oyster farming (Belon, Marennes, Cadiz). Fine flesh with characteristic hazelnut taste, quite distinct from the cupped Magallana gigas.
Photo of European flat oyster
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the European flat oyster?
- European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) reaches 6–20 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the European flat oyster?
- European flat oyster is found between 0–80 m deep.
- Is the European flat oyster dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the European flat oyster?
- IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
- Where can you find the European flat oyster?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Similar species
- Aliger gigas - Queen conch
- Chromodoris magnifica - Magnificent chromodoris
- Phorcus turbinatus - Turbinate monodont
- Octopus vulgaris - Common octopus
- Hypselodoris picta - Painted hypselodoris
- Felimida purpurea - Purple doris
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 140658)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2286060)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia