| Pinctada radiata | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Order: | Pterioida |
| Family: | Pteriidae |
| Genus: | Pinctada |
| Species: | P. radiata |
| Binomial name | |
| Pinctada radiata (Leach, 1814) |
|
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
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Pinctada radiata, commonly known as the Atlantic pearl-oyster[2] or the Gulf pearl oyster[1] is a species of pearl oyster distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific.[3] Its range extends as far north as Japan and as far south as the Australian state of Victoria.[4]
P. radiata is generally between 50 and 65 millimetres (2.0 and 2.6 in) in length, though it can reach 106 millimetres (4.2 in). The shell is, thin, compressed, and square-like,[5] with growth rings and ribs on the top surface.[2] Its colouration varies, though it usually displays a brown or red exterior with a pearly interior and a light brown edge.[3] More rarely, the shell may display a green or bronze exterior. Darker brown or red rays may mark the shell, creating darker areas at the margin.[5] The shell's shape and structure also show much variation, hence its many synonyms; it has been described as "very similar to Pinctada margaritifera", and has been misidentified on occasion as P. margaritifera. P. radiata is hermaphroditic, with reproductive maturity being influenced by temperature.[3]
Pinctada radiata occurs throughout the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean Sea at all depths, though it is generally found between 5 and 25 metres (16 and 82 ft).[5] It attaches itself to various hard substrata, including rocks and wrecks.[2] P. radiata is common throughout its range, possibly because of its adaptation to subtropical environments and ability to survive in polluted water.[3] It was originally distributed only in the Indo-Pacific, but has been introduced into the Mediterranean unintentionally through the Suez Canal and intentionally for aquaculture.[1][4]
Pinctada radiata is harvested for pearls, especially in Qatari waters, where it may constitute up to 95% of the oyster catch.[6] It is also caught for its edible flesh and lustrous shell.[5] P. radiata has also been investigated for possible use as a bioindicator of heavy metals in Persian Gulf waters.[7]