Saccostrea scyphophilla
Hooded Rock Oyster
©Anne Hoggett: Saccostrea scyphophilla 40 to 50 mm long on beach rock near Lizard Island Research Station
©Anne Hoggett: Saccostrea scyphophilla 40 to 50 mm long on beach rock near Lizard Island Research Station
©Anne Hoggett: Saccostrea scyphophilla grow sparsely on beach rock near Lizard Island Research Station.
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Mollusca
Class
Bivalvia
Order
Ostreoida
Family
Ostreidae
Genus
Saccostrea
Species
Saccostrea scyphophilla
Colours
Distinguishing features
Usually found in groups in the highest band on intertidal rocks. Distinctively coloured deep brown/purple and grey. Valves with zig-zag edges.
Size
- Up to 5 cm (Shell length) - applies to Most
Synonyms
Comments
This species was originally listed in LIFG as Saccostrea cucullata (with the nominative subpecies S. cucullata cucullata implied). However, Dr Richard Willan (NT Museum) says that is a misidentification for Saccostrea scyphophilla. The id was changed in LIFG on 27 Mar 2016.
by Anne Hoggett
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Local abundance
- Lizard Island: This is the most common intertidal rock oyster at Lizard Island, forming the highest intertidal band.
