Species profile: Life histories and environmental requirements of coastal fishes and invertebrates (Gulf of Mexico): American oyster. [Crassostrea virginica]

Technical Report · Tue Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:7193726

Stanley, J G; Sellers, M A

The American oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is an important commercial species. Spawning occurs repeatedly during warmer months with millions of eggs released. Embryos and larvae are carried by currents throughout the estuaries and oceanic bays where they occur. The surviving larvae cement themselves to a solid object, where they remain for the remainder of life. Unable to move, they must tolerate changes in the environment that range from -2 to 36/sup 0/C (air temperature), 2 to 40 ppt salinity, and clear or muddy water. The density and occurrence of adults is limited by predators, chiefly oyster drills, whelks, fish, and crabs.

• Research Organization: Maine Univ., Orono (USA). Maine Cooperative Fishery Research Unit; Maine Univ., Walpole (USA). Ira C. Darling Center for Research, Teaching, and Service
• OSTI ID: 7193726
• Report Number(s): TR-EL-82-4/82-11-64; ON: TI87900133
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520100* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ATLANTIC OCEAN
BIOLOGY
CARIBBEAN SEA
COASTAL WATERS
ECOLOGY
ESTUARIES
FISHING INDUSTRY
GULF OF MEXICO
HABITAT
INDUSTRY
INVERTEBRATES
MOLLUSCS
OYSTERS
POPULATION DYNAMICS
REPRODUCTION
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
TAXONOMY