Pinctada margaritifera
Common pearl oyster
Schwarzlippen - Perlmuschel 
Zwartlip pareloester
Huître perlière
Ostra perlífera de labios negros 
Ostrica perlifera
Distribution
- The tropical Pacific
- The Red Sea
- The Indian Ocean
Substrate and environment
- Exclusively a marine species
- The species is generally observed on the reef or near it.
- The species is generally attached to its substrate
- The species can be found between 5 and 30 Meters.
- Uncommon Species
- Imitates a rock or a coral.
General behaviour of the species
- Species generally solitary
- Imitates a rock or a coral.
General characteristics of the species
- Maximum size : 30 cm
- The animal feeds on plankton or small organisms.
- The shell is covered with algae
- The animal is a protandrous transsexual
Relationship with humans
- The species can be eaten but is of no particular culinary interest
- The species is exploited in the following sector(s) :
- Used in the clothing, footwear or crafts industries for the manufacture of articles (jewellery, etc.)
The species can be confused with other species of similar appearance!