Hooded Rock Oyster (species: Saccostrea scyphophilla) in Lizard Island area: all known taxa (Lizard Island Field Guide)
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.

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