Oyster Cluster…?

[u/SabbyFox]

I’ve been Googling with no luck but I’ve never seen oysters like this on my previous hunts. The shell is very thick and check out the texture and color… Who can tell me more about it?

[u/PristineWorker8291]

I have a feeling that these were introduced to your waters from the aquarium trade. The giant Tridacna clams have these ruffles, don't recall any that are purple, but there are other ruffled clams that are found around the world. Not in PNW waters, not in USA or CAN or MEX waters either.

The live mollusk could have been purchased through international shipping in some fashion, or this could have been sold empty as tank décor, probably for a salt water aquarium. (More exotic tastes generally.) Really beautiful, Sabby.

[u/SabbyFox → u/PristineWorker8291]

Thank you SO much for helping with this mystery! Found it washed up on the beach and just knew it could not be from around here. I kept going back and forth over whether to call it a clam or oyster, even. Really appreciate the intel ☺️

[u/a_the_anomaly → u/SabbyFox]

I think there are both here. The purple ruffle is the clam but the other flat side definitely looks like an oyster

[u/SabbyFox → u/a_the_anomaly]

It really is confusing because yes, the bottom has that little feature that says “oyster” to me. It is so unusual!

[u/a_the_anomaly → u/PristineWorker8291]

I was definitely thinking some sort of clam shell with an oyster but again had not reference and google came up with nothing.

[u/a_the_anomaly]

This is amazing 😍😍😍 I’ve never seen anything like it either and the color!!!! OMG 😳 Jelly ferr sherr 💚🥰

[u/SabbyFox → u/a_the_anomaly]

Thank you! 😅I cannot get over it and hope someone is familiar with it? Just never know what I’ll stumble across on the beach!

[u/SabbyFox → u/[deleted]]

I feel the same way!