Species · GBIF taxon 4373340
Chilean Flat Oyster
Ostrea chilensisAlso known as Bluff Oyster, Dredge Oyster, Chilean Oyster, Ostra Verde
Chilean flat oysters are slow-growing bivalves characterized by their rounded, mud-colored shells with a distinctive greenish hue. They thrive on sandy or gravelly sea floors, where they form dense beds that provide crucial habitat for other marine invertebrates. Unlike many other oysters, they brood their larvae internally before releasing them as highly developed veligers.
BivalveMarineFilter Feeder
Licensed referenceNaturalis / CC0 · CC0
- diet
- Phytoplankton and organic detritus
- family
- Ostreidae
- threats
- Overfishing, habitat destruction from dredging, and parasitic diseases
- life Span
- 8 to 15 years
NE
Wild oysters can accumulate lethal biotoxins; check local safety alerts before harvesting.
Can accumulate lethal marine biotoxins from harmful algal blooms, causing paralytic shellfish poisoning.
Never harvest or consume wild oysters without checking local water safety and biotoxin alerts.- Observe in tide pools: Look for their flat, irregular shells cemented to rocks in low intertidal zones.
- Check local regulations: Always verify harvesting bans and biotoxin warnings before collecting wild oysters.