White-lip pearl oyster [Pinctada albina]
Description
Pinctada albina, or the white-lip pearl oyster, is a smaller member of the Pteriidae family. It is native to the tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, including the coasts of Japan, Australia, and East Africa. Pinctada albina typically inhabits shallow waters and is often found in seagrass environments. The species is named for its white inner shell, but it can also produce pearls of various colors. Pinctada albina is a filter feeder that primarily feeds on phytoplankton.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Clams, Oysters, and Scallops
Bivalvia
|
| Order |
Pearl Oysters and Relatives
Pteriida
|
| Family |
Tree Oysters
Malleidae
|
| Genus |
Black-Lipped Pearl Oysters
Pinctada
|