Oyster
Saccostrea n. sp.
Shell solid, unequal valves. Very variable shape, with crenulated margin. Externally cream-purple-brown, internally white, with some purple colouration.
Morphology
This species looks almost identical to other Saccostrea species. It is most easily distinguished by using DNA.
Evolution
The relationships among species in Saccostrea are still not well understood. This new species is most closely related to S. cucullata (lineage A in Lam & Morton 2006).
Behaviour
Sessile after the larvae settles and attaches to hard substrate.
Method of reproduction
Likely a broadcast spawner as for other members of the genus.
Habitat
Marine, intertidal
Hard substrate in the high intertidal. Will settle on rocky shores or wood.
Distribution
North-western Australia.
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Subclass: | Pteriomorpha |
| Order: | Ostreida |
| Superfamily: | Ostreoidea |
| Family: | Ostreidae |
| Subfamily: | Saccostreinae |
| Genus: | Saccostrea |
| Species: | n. sp. |
| Rank: | species |
|---|---|
| Commercial Impact: | Exploratory fishery in the north |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Phylogenetic Tree:
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/saccostrea-n-sp
Accessed 23 May 2025
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