Eastern oyster

The Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a saltwater shellfish native to the eastern coast of North America. It has a rough, irregular shell and a soft body inside that filters water to extract tiny plankton and nutrients for food. Oysters are filter feeders, helping improve water quality by removing excess nutrients and particles. They form large colonies called reefs, which provide habitat for other marine life. Oysters are also valued commercially as a food source and are farmed or harvested from the wild. They play an important role in coastal ecosystems and contribute to local economies.