Ostreidae

The Ostreidae family, commonly known as true oysters, are bivalve mollusks found in temperate and warm coastal waters worldwide. These oysters are typically attached by their lower valve, which is flatter and larger, while the upper valve is more convex. They filter food particles from the water using cilia on their gills.1

True oysters have been cultivated for over 2,000 years as a food source. Some species, like Ostrea edulis, exhibit sequential hermaphroditism, changing sexes seasonally. Oysters reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water, though some species brood their eggs internally. Edible oysters are ready for harvest in three to five years.12