Species · GBIF taxon 8016550
Kumamoto Oyster
Magallana sikameaAlso known as Kumie, Kumo
Kumamoto oysters are small, deeply cupped bivalves native to the sheltered bays of southern Japan. They grow slowly, developing highly sculpted, fluted shells with a distinctive purplish-green hue. In their native and introduced estuarine habitats, they act as vital ecosystem engineers by filtering water and creating complex reef structures that shelter other marine life.
BivalveFilter FeederMarine
Licensed referenceUnknown / CC-BY · cc-by
- diet
- Phytoplankton, organic detritus, and suspended microalgae filtered from the water column.
- family
- Ostreidae
- threats
- Ocean acidification, habitat degradation, coastal pollution, and disease outbreaks.
- life Span
- Up to 10 to 15 years.
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Look for the cup: Identify them by their deeply cupped, bowl-like lower shell and highly fluted edges.
- Watch the tides: Visit sheltered mudflats and rocky estuaries during low tide to spot them attached to hard surfaces.
- Tread carefully: Avoid stepping directly on oyster beds to protect both the fragile shells and your footwear.