Each Oyster Lays 40 Million Eggs

This species of oyster demonstrates the peculiarity of undergoing a change of sex normally during the course of its life.

Two to three years of growth are required before the oyster is ready for reproduction.

During its female stage, the mature Pinctada lays eggs all year. Only the extraordinary quantity of eggs produced--40 million per specimen--assures the survival of the species in its natural environment, where the spermatozoon must rely on a chance to encounter for conception.

Developing larva then become prey for all sea creatures that eat plankton, including the living coral of the reefs. Surviving young oysters, once they develop bivalve shells, are called "spats". But they continue to be targets of many predators, including giant rays, octopus, crabs, starfish and trigger-fish.

Photo Source (right): "La Magie de la Perle Noire", P. Salomon and M. Roudnitska