Teerapong Duangdee, Kitithorn Sanpanich, Sherralee S. Lukehurst & Fred E. Wells

Abstract. Oysters are ecologically important, often dominating shorelines and becoming habitat modifiers. They
are a key group for molluscan aquaculture, with an estimated annual production of 8,000 tonnes in Thailand. Some
species become invasive when introduced into new habitats. A variety of species have been recorded from Thailand,
but identifications are uncertain. We examined oysters at 14 sites in the upper (northern) Gulf of Thailand in August
2023 and compared identifications made in the field using Thai literature with DNA sequences. Two species of
Magallana and four species of Saccostrea were detected in the wild, and one species of each genus in aquaculture
farms. The taxonomy of the species was clarified and their invasive potential evaluated.

Key words. Saccostrea, Magallana, Crassostrea, invasive marine species, marine pests, Ostreidae, competition,
bivalves

Read article here:  RBZ-2025-0002