Atlantic Thorny Oyster
Spondylus americanusThe unmistakable thorns on this bi-valve's shell gives it it's name. It is often covered with other organisms that attach to it's shell. The Oyster itself attaches one side of it's shell to a surface and filter feeds from the water flowing through it's open shell. All these pictures were taken in water between 2 and 6 feet deep.
![Atlantic Thorny Oyster - Spondylus americanus](picture_library/creatures/mollusks/atlantic-thorny-oyster_2010.jpg)
![Atlantic Thorny Oyster - Spondylus americanus](picture_library/creatures/mollusks/atlantic-thorny-oyster_2007a.jpg)
![Atlantic Thorny Oyster - Spondylus americanus](picture_library/creatures/mollusks/atlantic-thorny-oyster_5993.jpg)
![Atlantic Thorny Oyster - Spondylus americanus](picture_library/creatures/mollusks/atlantic-thorny-oyster_1285.jpg)
![Atlantic Thorny Oyster - Spondylus americanus](picture_library/creatures/mollusks/atlantic-thorny-oyster_4011.jpg)
![Atlantic Thorny Oyster - Spondylus americanus](picture_library/creatures/mollusks/atlantic-thorny-oyster_4011a.jpg)
![Atlantic Thorny Oyster - Spondylus americanus](picture_library/creatures/mollusks/atlantic-thorny-oyster_4753.jpg)
![Atlantic Thorny Oyster - Spondylus americanus](picture_library/creatures/mollusks/atlantic-thorny-oyster_4753a.jpg)
![Atlantic Thorny Oyster - Spondylus americanus](picture_library/creatures/mollusks/atlantic-thorny-oyster_6638.jpg)
![Atlantic Thorny Oyster - Spondylus americanus](picture_library/creatures/mollusks/atlantic-thorny-oyster_6615.jpg)
![Atlantic Thorny Oyster - Spondylus americanus](picture_library/creatures/mollusks/atlantic-thorny-oyster_7595.jpg)