Atlantic Wing-oyster

Found attached to the stems of gorgonians and black corals, over coral and rocky reefs. Often their shells are overgrown by other organisms.

In some areas these oysters are cultivated to produce black pearls.

Most Bivalves are permanently anchored in fissures or depressions in the rock surface of the reef, some may become covered in algae and other marine life.
Other Bivalves swim free, either by a well developed foot or propelled along by a jet of water from their mantle cavity.