Is this Ostrea edulis? - Printable Version +- Forums SEASHELL-COLLECTOR (http://forum.seashell-collector.com) +-- Forum: Seashell Collector's Forum (http://forum.seashell-collector.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=3) +--- Forum: Shells identification Help (http://forum.seashell-collector.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=5) +--- Thread: Is this Ostrea edulis? (/showthread.php?tid=1434)

Is this Ostrea edulis? - Emma - 08-28-2011 Hello everybody! Do you think this oyster is Ostrea edulis? It is from Saint Jean de Luz, Biarritz. Many thanks, Emma. Re: Is this Ostrea edulis? - paul monfils - 08-28-2011 The three common Ostrea/Crassostrea species in that locality - edulis, gigas, and virginica - can be difficult to separate because they are so variable in shape.  However, usually the interior of O. edulis is completely white, including the muscle scar, while the other two species have the dark purple muscle scar.  C. gigas is usually quite elongate, especially when young.  So, I believe this is Crassostrea virginica, a species that is also very common here in the N.E. United States. Re: Is this Ostrea edulis? - Emma - 08-28-2011 Ok, thanks Paul!