Winged Oyster
(Pteria sterna)

Description: The shell of the winged oyster has two unequal sized lateral extensions that resemble wings, differentiating it from the shells of other oysters encountered in our area. One wing is long and narrow, and the other is short and stout. The exterior of the shell is purplish-brown to yellow, while the inside is pearly and variable in color. The shell is moderately thin, has lines sculpted on the surface, and can attain a length of 9 cm.

Habitat: Attached to living and non-living hard substrates at depths of 1-5 meters, in subtropical to warm temperate waters.

Origin: Gulf of California.

Invaded Areas: California Channel Islands.

Concerns: The lovely pearls of this species make this oyster the basis of a lucrative fishery in the Gulf of California. Its recent appearance at the Channel Islands suggests that the species might survive in more northern waters, especially if sea temperatures were to increase. Introduction of a new oyster species might threaten beds of native oysters in our area.