ABSTRACT
Crassostrea corteziensis has been described as an allopatric species of C. virginica of the Atlantic coast. Crassostrea corteziensis was originally placed in the genus Ostrea by Hertlein, but presence of a proximal chamber and nonincubatory larval development place it in Crassostrea. Crassostrea corteziensis inhabits estuaries and coastal lagoons at intertidal levels and is found on mangrove roots and other solid substrates available for attachment. It occurs at salinities from 3 to 39,10 with heavy mortalities at lower salinities. Gametogenic activity has been detected throughout the year, with peak activity occurring just before spawning in March. Spawning takes place from June to October, with peak activity occurring in September. In spite of the abundance and diversity of mollusk species found in Mexican waters and the commercial use and high value of many of them, only Crassostrea corteziensis Ramirez ad Sevilla, 1965, is being cultured commercially.
