Pearl oyster
Pearl Oyster
Pearl Oyster (Pinctada), pronounced as /ˈpɪŋktədə/, is a genus of oysters which are marine bivalve mollusks in the family Pteriidae. They are known for their ability to produce pearls. The etymology of the word 'Pinctada' is derived from the Latin word 'pincta' which means 'painted'.
Description
Pearl Oysters are typically found in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the waters of Australia, Japan, and the Persian Gulf. They are also found in the Red Sea. The size of a Pearl Oyster can range from 3 to 7 inches. The shell is usually rounded or broadly oval and the exterior is often colorful, ranging from shades of white, silver, or cream to black.
Pearl Production
Pearl Oysters are known for their ability to produce both natural and cultured pearls. The process of pearl formation begins when an irritant, such as a grain of sand, becomes lodged in the oyster's mantle tissue. In response, the oyster secretes a substance called nacre, which coats the irritant and eventually forms a pearl.
Related Species
There are several species within the Pinctada genus, including:
- Pinctada margaritifera (Black-lip pearl oyster)
- Pinctada maxima (Gold-lip pearl oyster/White-lip pearl oyster)
- Pinctada fucata (Akoya pearl oyster)
- Pinctada radiata (Atlantic pearl-oyster)
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pearl oyster
- Wikipedia's article - Pearl oyster
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