There are more than 100 species of oysters throughout the world. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico contain several species. Adult oysters release eggs and sperm into the water. After fertilization, the fertilized eggs proceed through several swimming larval stages. Ultimately, the larvae become too heavy to remain suspended in the water and sink to the bottom.
Oysters eat by filtering food from the surrounding water through their gills.
Under ideal conditions, an oyster can pump 5 gallons of water an hour through its filtering apparatus. Because oysters cannot move, they are at the mercy of the surrounding environment. For this reason, state and federal health authorities pay close attention to molluscan shellfish. Like all other varieties of seafood, when oysters are landed at the dock or offered for import, they may be inspected by numerous authorities. Seafood is routinely inspected with a frequency determined by past experience or potential for a particular commodity to cause illness.