Les espèces d'huîtres vivant actuellement dans le monde, définies par leurs coquilles larvaires ou prodissoconques - Etude des collections de quelques-uns des grands musées d'histoire naturelle

Shell is the basis of the distinction between the different species of molluscs. But the elements defining the shape and colour of the shell can vary according to the environmental conditions. So much so that, in numerous cases, a whole range of intermediates can be found between two species. Among molluscs, oysters are considered as a particularly confused group. Their shells are indeed extremely variable. All sorts of intermediates can be found. They usually attach themselves using their bottom valve, and, depending on the shape of the substrate, salinity conditions, temperature, outside environment, they present a wide range of individual variations. I had the opportunity to examine the larval shells of some of our coastal species. I noticed that each species had a specific prodissoconch, with a constant shape and no fundamental individual variations, an understandable fact given their planktonic life. The hinge and the position of the ligament in the hinge enable the definition of their genus. During the study of the collections of oysters from some of the world's most renowned museum (1), I tried to isolate the prodissoconches of the different species. I found them attached to the adult shells, making sure that all the prodissoconches attached to the top of the adult shells showed the same morphological characteristics. (unverified OCR)