Eastern Oyster §

species: Crassostrea virginica
classification: mollusk (bivalve)
habitat: estuaries
feeding habits: plankton filter-feeders, up to 4 gallons per hour
photo © Andrew J. Martinez

Range: Atlantic coast

Serving Suggestion
Recipe for Corn Bread Fried Oysters

Nutritional information: high in iron, zinc; bacteria and viruses may pose risk if eaten raw

Commercial information: grown on natural reefs or ropes or containers hung from floats; hand-harvested when shell is approximately 5 inches (13 cm) across
photo © National Fisheries Institute