Atlantic pearl oyster (Pinctada radiata)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Pinctada radiata
- Common name
- Atlantic pearl oyster
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Margaritidae
- Genus
- Pinctada
- Size
- 5–9 cm
- Depth
- 1–30 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky, seagrass
- Behaviours
- sessile, filter-feeder
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean
Description
Pinctada radiata reaches 9 cm. Small oyster with a fan-shaped shell marked with brown and white stripes, yellowish nacre inside. Native to the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, it is among the first documented Lessepsian species in the Mediterranean, introduced through the Suez Canal from its opening in 1869. Proliferates on eastern coasts (Turkey, Greece, Israel, Egypt), expanding westward. Role in Lessepsian migration studied by biologists.
Photo of Atlantic pearl oyster
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Atlantic pearl oyster?
- Atlantic pearl oyster (Pinctada radiata) reaches 5–9 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Atlantic pearl oyster?
- Atlantic pearl oyster is found between 1–30 m deep.
- Is the Atlantic pearl oyster dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Atlantic pearl oyster?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Atlantic pearl oyster?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Pinctada
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 140890)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4374764)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia