Mo.111 Pinctada fucata (Akoya pearl oyster)

 

Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Bivalvia

Order: Pterioida

Family: Pteriidae

Genus: Pinctada

Species: Pinctada fucata

 

Description:

    The shells of Pinctada fucata are typically   round and somewhat flattened, with a characteristic iridescent inner lining. These oysters are relatively small typically reaching about 6-7 cm in diameter.        Their food by filtering small particles from the water. It is highly valued for its ability to produce pearls, especially in Japan. Akoya pearls are known for their lustrous white or cream-colored appearance. They are found in saltwater environments, especially in shallow coastal waters and coral reefs, primarily in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

IUCN Status:  Not Evaluated.