General Description

Large shells, rounded with the left valve somewhat concave and the right quite flat. Valve surfaces have a flaky, layered (lamellose) appearance, and crumble easily (friable). Valve margins are undulating. Shell up to 18 cm across.

Biology

This species is closely related to the European Edible Oyster and was harvested extensively in the early years of European settlement until the population crashed during the nineteenth century. Recently, it has begun to be commercially cultivated again. It was also a food source for indigenous communities. It takes around two years for an individual to reach harvestable size, almost twice as long as other oyster species. Like other oyster species, the shape of the shell is influenced by the shape of the substrate it is attached to.

Distribution

Southern Australia.

Habitat

Bays and inlets, on hard surfaces in mud, from low tide to depth of 30 m.

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