General Description

The shells of this species are small, thin, fragile with a mottled brown-green exterior and a pearly interior. Shell up to 4 cm across.

Biology

These small bivalves grow rapidly and can occur in large numbers. They are the only member of the Pearl Oyster family living in southern Australia, a group best known for the large tropical representatives that are famous for the production of pearls. The group name of Pearl Oysters is misleading because these animals are not true oysters, which belong to the family group Ostreidae.

Distribution

Southern Australia.

Habitat

Sheltered areas attached to seaweed and sea grass.

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