Image: Sydney Rock Oyster Illustration

Sydney Rock Oysters' shells can grow to 8 cm in length. The outside of their shell is smooth and grey coloured. The inside of the shell is smooth and white coloured.

Illustrator:

Andrew Howells

Rights:

© Australian Museum

Common name:

Sydney Rock Oyster

Scientific name:

Saccostrea glomerata

Additional information

Sydney Rock Oysters' shells can grow to 8 cm in length. The outside of their shell is smooth and grey coloured. The inside of the shell is smooth and white coloured.

Sydney Rock Oysters live on the south-east coast of Australia. They are found near the mouths of rivers. Adults live attached to rocks.

Sydney Rock Oysters eat microscopic plants like algae and microscopic animals. The oysters filter water into their shells and strain the algae and animals out.

Birds, fish, stingrays, mud crabs and starfish all eat Sydney Rock Oysters.

Sydney Rock Oysters change sex during their lifetime. They start out as males and later change to females.

Last Updated: 11 August 2009

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