What Organisms Eat Oysters

The oyster is food for animals such as crabs, fish, birds and humans.

Oysters are mollusks that live in brackish or salt water. Many aquatic and non-aquatic animals consume oysters. Fish and invertebrates dine on oyster larvae. Crabs, fish and birds enjoy adult oysters. Oyster is also a popular dish for people.

Crabs

Large crabs eat shellfish including oysters. A crab uses its large front claws to crack open and devour oysters. Depending on size, crabs may also eat shrimp, plankton, worms or dead animals.

Fish

A variety of fish feast on oysters. One of the most interesting is the oyster toadfish. The oyster toadfish is an unattractive fish with skin covered in mucus and warts instead of scales. This fish resides in muddy water and near oyster beds. The oyster toadfish has sharp teeth and a strong jaw which it uses to crack open shellfish. Other fish including skate and drum also eat oysters.

Birds

The American oystercatcher is a bird that lives up to its name. This bird looks for oysters in salt marshes and near ocean shores. The oystercatcher also feeds on clams and mussels. The distinctly colored shorebird has a black head, brown and white body and a long red bill. Its powerful bill is able to scoop up and crack open oysters quickly and efficiently.

People

Raw oysters drizzled with fresh lemon juice are a delicious appetizer.

Humans also enjoy eating oysters in a variety of ways. You can slurp raw oysters on the half shell straight or with some lemon juice and cocktail sauce with horseradish. People also enjoy oysters baked, grilled or fried. Oysters go well with other seafood and are delicious dipped in cocktail or tartar sauce.

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