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Crassostrea gigas
The Pacific oyster is an invasive species in the UK. It was introduced after populations of the native oyster, Ostrea edulis, crashed following outbreaks of disease and introduction of predators from North America. It was thought that the Pacific oyster could not breed in British waters because it was too cold, and would be ideal to introduce, but with summers becoming increasingly warmer, it of course proliferated. The Pacific oyster is aggressive, and will literally squeeze, crush or push out the much smaller and weaker native oyster. This is a particularly big issue where I live as the River Colne is famous for its oysters.
Originally found in estuarine areas in South Pacific, but happily lives in British estuaries too
Some empty oyster shells I found on a beach trip a while ago. I like the second one, the mussel and barnacles make it look like some kind of sculpture!
Spotted on Feb 20, 2011
Submitted on Sep 8, 2011
3 Comments
Oh yes :) It's true it will be fine in a bathroom. In your taste as well my beautiful friend-sirene hihihi :))
Thank you Luc! Yes, the shells are lovely, I took some home to use as decoration in my bathroom haha! :D
Pretty art from marine nature :)) I love the shape of this oyster , this is very nice .