Akoya Pearl Oysterアコヤガイ

Species Data

Classification

Pterioida / Pteriidae Source

Size

Shell length about 5 centimeters

Diet

Filter feeder Filter feeds on plankton and suspended organic matter

Distribution

Widely distributed across tropical to subtropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans; in Japan found south of the Bōsō Peninsula, attaching itself with byssal threads to rocky reefs from the low-tide line to about 3 m depth. Source

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

• Its ability to coat any foreign object introduced into its shell with nacre is exploited for pearl farming, notably in Japan's Uwa Sea (Ehime), Ōmura Bay (Nagasaki), and Ago Bay (Mie). Source
• It is a hermaphrodite capable of changing sex, and in 2012 it became the first mollusk to have its complete genome sequenced. Source

Verified individual animals and facilities will be added as official information becomes available.

FAQ

Why is the Akoya pearl oyster important to the pearl industry?

When a foreign object is introduced into its shell, it coats the object with layers of nacre, forming a pearl — a property exploited in Japan's cultured pearl farms in areas like Ago Bay and the Uwa Sea. Source

How does the Akoya pearl oyster feed?

It is a filter feeder, drawing in seawater and straining out plankton and organic particles for food. Source

What was scientifically significant about the Akoya pearl oyster in 2012?

It became the first mollusk species to have its complete genome sequenced. Source

How many operating facilities are registered here?

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 0 Source

Books & gear

• Akoya Pearl Oyster book
• binoculars