Asian Market Oysters

[i0nz]

While at the Asian market yesterday, I walked past “live oysters” on ice. For a mere $0.99 each, I was curious and chose to purchase two to try keeping them. I bagged them up then went home immediately after to drip acclimate them in my cold water NPS tank...

45 later, they began to open. Without knowing the species or their requirements, I’d say they appear to be doing well. All of the attached barnacles are filter feeding and one of the two oysters have attached their foot after moving itself.

Does anybody else have experience and or care tips? Also any identification would be much appreciated. I’ve searched a few articles and have read mixed results. Should I expect a short lifespan?

@saltyfilmfolks I believe you stated you have tried keeping them in the past. Perhaps you can chime in?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Yup.
Some may survive the ice freezing they got. So it’s random chance that you get a good one

IMO , try to keep the temp closer to the 77 mark than 80. You don’t really need to do much else

I lost all mine this year in the heat.

The first ones I got lasted well over a year and I only lost them due to my own dumb mistake.

One thing to look for at 99 ranch though , is where they come from.

The Baja oysters are from slightly Warmer waters in general. That’s the east side.
It’s usually marked.

 

[catfishblues]

Wow this is super cool!! Do they need a Coldwater nps type system to meet their food and temperature needs?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Wow this is super cool!! Do they need a Coldwater nps type system to meet their food and temperature needs?

They really should yes.
Keep in mind , I live in San Diego.
My first batch was on ice less than 24 hrs. My second batch about 48-72 hrs.

 

[catfishblues]

Good to know. I wouldn't be able to care for them then but I think this is really cool!

They really should yes.
Keep in mind , I live in San Diego.
My first batch was on ice less than 24 hrs. My second batch about 48-72 hrs.

 

[i0nz]

Yup.
Some may survive the ice freezing they got. So it’s random chance that you get a good one

IMO , try to keep the temp closer to the 77 mark than 80. You don’t really need to do much else

I lost all mine this year in the heat.

The first ones I got lasted well over a year and I only lost them due to my own dumb mistake.

One thing to look for at 99 ranch though , is where they come from.

The Baja oysters are from slightly Warmer waters in general. That’s the east side.
It’s usually marked.

Thank you for your response! At $0.99, they were a steal IMO. They’re one of those random yet exciting additions that only certain reefers would truly appreciate.

Currently they’re housed in my seahorse/gorgonian sump which I keep the tank temperature at 72 degrees. I figured the colder water would be better for them with them having barnacles attached. Being from San Francisco, I typically associate cold water with barnacles... lol

As for the source, I was told Southern America? and that they had just been put on ice for a for hours prior to my arrival. I may get a few more to expiriment with.

Also I’ve heard they’re incredible filter feeders, even more so than other bivalve species, is this true?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Well, the won’t replace a skimmer no.
But neat critters in any case.

 

[i0nz]

Well, the won’t replace a skimmer no.
But neat critters in any case.

Lol true. I was so intrigued that I purchased a pound of live clams from Whole Foods. They’re all open and appear happy