Oyster Reef (Biotic Group)

Component: Biotic

Unique Identifier: 505

Biotic Setting	Benthic/Attached Biota
Biotic Class	Reef Biota
Biotic Subclass	Mollusk Reef Biota
Biotic Group	Oyster Reef
Biotic Community	Crassostrea Reef Ostrea Reef

Description

Definition

Areas dominated by the ridge- or mound-like structures formed by the colonization and growth of oysters that are attached (cemented) to a substrate of live and dead conspecifics. Oyster reefs provide excellent structural habitat as well as effective water filtration.