Atlantic Wing Oyster (Pteria colymbus)



SHELL LENGTH: Approximately 2 inches (5.08 cm)

This yellowish or dark brown bivalve has a strong shell with a long, straight hinge and a wing-like projection, thus giving the Atlantic Wing Oyster its name. Strong byssal threads are used to attach the oyster to hard objects and can also be found attached to sea whips that are washed up on the beach. Growing up to three inches, they occasionally produce small pearls of no commercial value.