Info re: winged Oysters

[blackwater]

Hi brian,
Here's some links to the winged oysters (Pteria sterna) I mentioned during the last trip. (it was good to get out again after a bit of a hiatus).

SDNHM: Marine Invertebrates Department

Listed as a "local shell" in San Diego.


Elkhorn Slough Research

Elk horn slough is at the center of the Monterey Bay coastline, and is considered invasive there.

GT

 

[brianmeux]

That's interesting that you saw the winged oyster attach to some algae, or a gorgonian. I do know of the kelp scallop (Leptopecten latiauratus) that also will attach to kelp or other hard substrates. It also has uneven 'ears', but looks a bit different. Interesting!

 

[drbill]

Winged pearl oysters of several species attach to gorgonians and their relatives in temperate and tropical waters. Here in SoCal I usually find P. sterna attached to gorgonians, but occasionally to other things. In the tropics I see other oyster species attached to black coral.