Pinctada maxima

Pinctada maxima is a species of large pearl oysters found in the warm waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They are known for producing high-quality, large pearls used in jewelry. These oysters have a hard shell and a soft body capable of secreting nacre—the substance that creates pearls. When a foreign object, like a small irritant, enters the oyster, it coats the irritant with layers of nacre, forming a pearl over time. Pinctada maxima is valued both ecologically and commercially, contributing significantly to pearl farming industries in its native regions.