Slimy but full of taste, oysters are a part of regular seafood in many coastal areas around the world. Oysters are highly versatile as they can readily adapt to their surrounding environments. Any oyster of same species having a different habitat will taste different. The shells of oysters are peculiar coverings protecting the fragile body inside. These are some useful facts about these shells.

Fact 1:

Normally, the oyster shells are oval in shape, but their forms differ widely based on the host they are attached to. (National Geographic)

Fact 2:

Almost throughout the species the outer shell remains grey in color and the inner shell takes on a white color resembling the shade of true porcelain. (National Geographic)

Fact 3:

The shells of oysters contain extremely strong adductor muscles which help them close tightly when they are in danger. (National Geographic)

Fact 4:

Oysters are very beneficial for gardens! The shell of an oyster contains calcium in high quantities which can help enrich the garden soil with calcium. (Rodale News, 2012)

Fact 5:

An ancient legend says that Aphrodite, who was the goddess of Love, emerged form the inside of an oyster shell! (ORP, 2012)

Fact 6:

Oysters breathe in a way quite similar to fish, through gills inside the shell or through the mantle, the shell covering. (EHOW)

Fact 7:

The oyster shells also present a suitable location for the young oyster larvae to get attached and raise themselves. (EHOW)

Fact 8:

Oyster shells allow water to enter almost continuously into their body and when any foreign particle like a grain of sand is retained in their body, they start the process of forming pearls. This is, however, not possible for all species of oysters; only the pearl oysters are capable of creating pearls. (National Geographic)