Food & Nutrition

The Differences Between Oysters and Clams

Clam and Oyster Species

From a biological perspective, clams and oysters are actually the umbrella terms for similar yet distinct groups of species. Edible oysters belong to the Ostreidae family, while pearl-producing oysters belong to the Pteriidae family. Common species of oysters include Pacific Oysters, Eastern Oysters, and Olympia Oysters. The term “clam” is even more ambiguous as it refers to many different families. However, edible species include Manila clams, Mya arenaria or steamers, and Mercenaria mercenaria. [2]