Species · GBIF taxon 9493483
Portuguese Oyster
Magallana angulataAlso known as Angulate Oyster
Portuguese oysters form dense, complex reefs in brackish estuarine waters, providing critical structural habitat for numerous marine invertebrates and juvenile fish. These bivalves cement themselves permanently to hard surfaces, filtering massive volumes of water daily to feed on microscopic plankton. Their elongated, irregular shells feature wavy margins and purplish-brown shading, reflecting the dynamic tidal environments they inhabit.
MarineFilter FeederReef Builder
Licensed referenceH. Zell / CC BY-SA 3.0 · CC BY-SA 3.0
- diet
- Phytoplankton, microalgae, and suspended organic detritus
- family
- Ostreidae
- threats
- Water pollution, coastal development, sedimentation, and disease
- life Span
- Up to 10 years
NE
Shells are extremely sharp; wear protective footwear and gloves if walking near or handling them.
- Watch the tides: Plan visits during low tide when the extensive oyster beds are fully exposed.
- Protect your feet: Wear thick-soled water shoes to avoid painful cuts from the razor-sharp shell edges.
- Observe filtration: Look closely at submerged individuals to see their slightly open shells filtering water.