Accession Number:

ADA151614

Title:

Species Profiles: Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (North Atlantic), American Oyster,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

MAINE COOPERATIVE FISHERY RESEARCH UNIT ORONO

Personal Author(s):

• Sellers,M. A.
• Stanley,J. G.

Report Date:

1984-07-01

Pagination or Media Count:

23.0

Abstract:

Species profiles are literature summaries of the taxonomy, morphology, range, life history, and environmental requirements of coastal aquatic species. They are designed to assist in environmental impact assessment. The American oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is an important commercial and mariculture species. Spawning occurs repeatedly during warmer months with millions of eggs released. Embryos and larvae are carried by currents throughout the estuaries and oceanic bays where they occur. The few surviving larvae cement themselves to a solid object, where they remain for the remainder of life. Unable to move, they must tolerate changes in the environment that range from -1.7 to 49 C, 5 to 30 ppt salinity, and clear or muddy water.

Descriptors:

• *OYSTERS
• COASTAL REGIONS
• SALINITY
• LIFE(BIOLOGY)
• EGGS
• EMBRYOS
• NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
• LARVAE
• ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
• MUD
• BAYS
• ESTUARIES

Subject Categories:

• Anatomy and Physiology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE