Species profiles: Life histories and environmental requirements of coastal fishes and invertebrates (Mid-Atlantic): American oyster. [Crassostrea virginica]
The American oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is an important commercial and mariculture species. It is the dominant species in many bays and oyster shells form extensive reefs that modify sedimentation and local currents. 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 oysters occur. The few surviving larvae cement themselves to solid objects for the remainder of life. Unable to move, they must tolerate changes in the environment that range from -1.7/sup 0/ to 49/sup 0/C, 5 to 30 ppt salinity, and clear to muddy water. The distribution and abundance of adults are limited by marine predators, so that oysters are limited largely to brackish waters.
- 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:
- 7145978
- Report Number(s):
- TR-EL-82-4/82-11-65; ON: TI87900126
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Species profiles: life histories and environmental requirements of coastal fishes and invertebrates (North Atlantic) - American oyster
Species profiles: Life histories and environmental requirements of coastal fishes and invertebrates (South Atlantic): American oyster. [Crassostrea virginica]
Related Subjects
OYSTERS
ECOLOGY
COASTAL WATERS
ESTUARIES
FISHING INDUSTRY
HABITAT
MID-ATLANTIC BIGHT
POPULATION DYNAMICS
REPRODUCTION
TAXONOMY
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ATLANTIC OCEAN
BIOLOGY
INDUSTRY
INVERTEBRATES
MOLLUSCS
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
520100* - Environment
Aquatic- Basic Studies- (-1989)