Oysters, mussels, clams, scallops, cockles and abalones are major
groups of molluscs which are cultured in different parts of the
world. Edible oysters are the most important among them, as they
are great delicacy and there is growing demand. There is an
increasing interest in oyster culture in tropical countries in recent
years. In India there is a growing demand for oyster meat in some
parts of the country. They are highly esteemed sea food and
considered a delicacy in USA, Europe, Japan etc. It is said that
‘oyster’ is scientifically the best known marine animal. It is one of
the most widely cultivated species. As early as the first century BC
the Romans were the first to develop simple methods of collecting
oyster seeds and growing them for food
