Crassostrea virginica · Ostreidae
How to identify a eastern oyster
Irregular, elongated valves 2–8 inches, chalky grey exterior with concentric growth ridges; interior smooth white with a single purple muscle scar.
- Highly irregular shape (grows on substrate)
- Single purple adductor muscle scar inside
- Chalky grey exterior with layered growth
- Family
- Ostreidae
- Class
- Bivalve
- Regions
- East Coast · Atlantic Coast · Gulf Coast
- Habitat
- Estuarine · Oyster Reef · Brackish Intertidal
- Best seasons
- Fall · Winter · Spring
- Collector level
- Beginner
Collect with care
- Live oyster harvest is regulated in every Atlantic state — collect only clean, unoccupied valves from the wrack line.