Spiny Oysters

The many species of spiny or thorny oysters vary considerably in appearance and are actually related to scallops, rather than oysters. Similar to oysters however, they live cemented to rocks, corals or other hard surfaces and are capable of producing pearls, depending on their environment.

This family has a very well developed middle mantle and nervous system, with sensory tentacles and multiple eyes around the shell edges. Spiny oysters have a ball and socket type connection between the two shell parts, rather than the more common toothed hinge of other bivalves.

Spiny oysters are filter feeders and can suck water into its gills to remove oxygen and food.

Find Out More

• Allen, G., Steene, R., Humann, P., DeLoach, N. (2003) Reef Fish Identification, Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL., USA: New World Publications, Inc., ISBN 1-878348-36-1.
• Humann, P., DeLoach, N., (2010) Reef Creature Identification, Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL., USA: New World Publications Inc., ISBN 978-1-878348-44-9
• Debelius, H. (2013) Indian Ocean Reef Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 978-3-939767-52-7.
• Debelius, H. (2004) Nudibranchs and Sea Snails, Indo-Pacific Field Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 3-925919-51-1
• Erhardt, H., Knop, D. (2015) Corals Indo-Pacific Field Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 3-925919-69-4.
• Veron J.E.N., Stafford-Smith M.G., Turak E. and DeVantier L.M. (2016). Corals of the World

More Marine Life References and Further Information