Native Oyster

The native oyster, or Ostrea edulis, is a flat-shelled mollusk found along European coastlines. It’s especially famous in places like Britain, Ireland, and France, where some regional varieties even get their own names. Unlike many oysters, it doesn’t have deeply ridged shells, giving it a smoother, flatter appearance.

• In France, oysters from the Belon River are called Belons, not by their usual name.
• British and Irish locals sometimes call it the Colchester native oyster or mud oyster.
• It’s a filter-feeder, straining tiny food particles from the water as it breathes.