Oysters

Oysters are animals that live inside rough, bumpy shells. They are found in salty ocean water and sometimes in bays. Oysters do not move around much and stick to rocks or other oysters. Some oysters can even make beautiful pearls inside their shells.

How Oysters Live

An oyster spends its life inside its two-piece shell. It opens the shell a little to let water flow in. The oyster filters the water to get food and take in air. One oyster can clean up to 50 gallons of water every day. They help keep the ocean clean for other animals.

How Pearls Are Made

Sometimes a tiny piece of sand or dirt gets stuck inside an oyster. The oyster does not like the rough bit in its soft body. So it covers the bit with a smooth, shiny coating. Year after year, the coating builds up into a round pearl. Only some kinds of oysters can make pearls that people use in jewelry.

Fun Facts

• An oyster can change from a boy to a girl and back again during its life.
• Oysters have been eaten by people for thousands of years.
• Most pearls used in jewelry today are grown on special farms.

Did You Know?

A group of oysters living together is called an oyster reef, and it is like a little city for ocean animals.