Ostreoida

The Ostreoida are a suborder of bivalve mollusks, commonly known as oysters. These marine animals are characterized by a shell divided into two valves, which are typically rough and grayish on the outside and smooth and white on the inside. Oysters are filter feeders, using cilia on their gills to draw water in and filter out minute organic particles for food.12

Oysters are found in temperate and warm coastal waters worldwide and are often attached to hard surfaces, such as rocks or other shells. They play a significant role in their ecosystems, serving as a food source for various predators, including birds, sea stars, and certain fish. True oysters, belonging to the family Ostreidae, have been cultivated for food for over 2,000 years.231