What’s the difference between clams, mussels, and oysters?

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Oysters, clams and mussels arranged on crushed ice with clearly visible price tag at a seafood market.

Bright orange giant Pacific rock scallop attached to a rocky coral reef, surrounded by colorful marine algae and corals in Whaler's Cove, Carmel, California.

What’s the difference between clams, mussels, and oysters?: Media

Images

Oysters, clams and mussels arranged on crushed ice with clearly visible price tag at a seafood market.

Clams, mussels, and oysters are popular seafood options

Telling them apart on market ice requires a closer look at their shells.

© Pam McLean—Photographer's Choice RF/Getty Images

Bright orange giant Pacific rock scallop attached to a rocky coral reef, surrounded by colorful marine algae and corals in Whaler's Cove, Carmel, California.

Giant Pacific rock scallop (Crassadoma species) attached to a rocky coral reef

Chad King/NOAA MBNMS