HOW DO OYSTERS REPRODUCE?
Oysters are mollusks; they live in shallow salt water, clinging to rocks and in clusters. They prefer a surface made up of old oyster shells; this surface is called cultch. Replacing used shells back into oyster beds helps maintain the growth for the next year.HabitatOysters need a flat hard surface to which to attach; they cannot survive if they become covered in mud.SpawningThey reproduce by spawning. Eggs and sperm are released simultaneously and mix together in the water. When the water temperature reaches 75 degrees Fahrenheit, one oyster will spawn releasing pheromones. Doing this stimulates the rest of the oysters in the bed to follow suit.FertilityOysters are very fertile. The females will release millions of eggs, and the male will release billions of sperm into the water in a single spawning. These will mingle in the water and oyster sprats will hatch within hours.Odds of SurvivalFactors such as water conditions, predation and not being able to find a place to settle mean tha
