Tropical and Subtropical Ostreidae of the American Pacific: Taxonomy, Biology, Ecology, and Genetics

Oysters have throughout history been one of the most important marine invertebrate animals used, whether as human food or as a cultural base. Today, they represent one of the most exploited natural resources, are produced by aquaculture activities, and are one of the most studied groups of shellfish. This is most evident in temperate zones, whereas studies in tropical zones have been comparatively scarce and somewhat disorganized. The present review organizes the studies of a dozen species that are grouped as oysters of the tropical and subtropical American Pacific, considering their taxonomy and identification, as well as their distribution, and establishing an identification key using the characteristics of the shell. Aspects of their biology are described, referring to general anatomy with a type species, the Cortez oyster Crassostrea corteziensis, as well as the life cycle, taking as reference the recent studies carried out on the rock oyster Striostrea prismatica. In the same way, a description of their populations and ecological interactions is provided, emphasizing the reproduction of the different species and ordering the description of the main stages in the gametogenic development of the populations in a latitudinal form. The main diseases and some uses of oysters as bioaccumulating organisms are also described, as well as phylogenetic and population genetic studies. Finally, possible future actions are discussed to provide a more comprehensive knowledge of oysters from the tropics and subtropics of the American Pacific based on the conservation and use of the resources.