Eastern Oyster / Summer Flounder

Eastern Oyster, also, Summer Flounder. New London Waterfront Park. , Eastern Oyster ,

Average size 2 - 6 inches long.

, Eastern oysters are bivalve mollusks; they have two shells hinged together protecting a soft body. The outer part of the shell is white and crusty. The inner part is smooth and is called "Mother of Pearl". Oysters are filter feeders; they suck in water and filter out the plankton and detritus to swallow., Connecticut's tidal rivers and estuaries provide a natural breeding ground for oysters because they need a mix of fresh and salt waters in order to thrive. As early as 4000 years ago, oysters were harvested along the southern New England coast. Not only were oysters eaten, but they were used as fertilizer by both Native Americans and European colonists., Since the late 19th century, oyster farming has been a major industry in Connecticut. Connecticut oysters are marketed throughout the United States. In 1989, the State General Assembly designated the eastern oyster as Connecticut's State Shellfish., (Crassostrea virginica), Summer Flounder ,

Up to 36 inches in length , Up to 20 pounds in weight , Average weight 3 - 6 pounds

, Also known as fluke, summer flounder are similar to winter flounder in appearance; they are flatfish and have both eyes on one side of their heads. They also can change their color to blend in with their surroundings. But summer flounder are larger than winter flounder and have large mouths with sharp teeth. They are also voracious predators that feed on smaller fish, squid, shrimp and crabs., Summer flounder are summer residents of Long Island Sound and dwell over sandy bottoms from May to October. Their habitat range is in the western Atlantic from Maine to South Carolina., (Paralychthys dentatus)