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.

Habitat

Sheltered areas attached to seaweed and sea grass.

Seagrass meadows

Reefs

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Sea snails and shells › Bivalves

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

4 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Species Code

MoV 1345

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed