Crassostrea

genus of mollusks

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June 25, 2026

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The genus Crassostrea refers to a group of bivalve mollusks, commonly known as oysters. These oysters release their reproductive products directly into the water, and their larvae do not develop within the gills of the parent.1

Oysters, including those in the Crassostrea genus, are a significant source of food and have been cultivated for over 2,000 years. Commercially important species within this genus include C. gigas (Japanese oyster), C. virginica (North American or Virginia oyster), and C. angulata (Portuguese oyster). Bivalves, in general, are a major part of the global marine catch, with oysters being a primary category.23

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bivalve
Importance
…are representatives of the genus Crassostrea, notably C. gigas in the western Pacific, C. virginica in North America, and C. angulata in Portugal. Most mussels are cultivated on ropes suspended from floats. The European mussel Mytilus edulis has been introduced into the northern Pacific, and the practice now flourishes widely…
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…are representatives of the genus Crassostrea, notably C. gigas in the western Pacific, C. virginica in North America, and C. angulata in Portugal. Most mussels are cultivated on ropes suspended from floats. The European mussel Mytilus edulis has been introduced into the northern Pacific, and the practice now flourishes widely…
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