Pearl oyster

The Pearl Oyster (アコヤガイ, Akoyagai) is a type of sea creature (type of shell prior to ) in the, introduced in. Despite their name, they are not related to oysters but moreso to clams and other bivalves.

While initially absent from, Pearl Oysters were added in the 1.3.0 Free Summer Update in July 2020.

In
Upon donating the Pearl Oyster to the museum, it can be found in the large pool in the first room of the ocean exhibit, along with many other species of sea creatures. The exhibit has this to say about the Pearl Oyster:

"Pearls are formed when mostly calcium carbonate and protein envelop foreign substances. Pearl oysters have numerous threadlike feet sticking out from their shell opening. These allow them to latch onto surrounding rocks and are actually surprisingly strong. Their adductor muscles are edible and are considered a delicious ingredient in some foods."

In
When donating to the museum, Blathers will say the following:

"Did you know the famed pearl oyster can live for 40 years and grow up to a foot in size? 'Tis true, hootie-hoo! Of course, this briny bivalve is best known for the precious gems it growns within. The pearl-making process begins when an irritant gains access to the delicate insides of the oyster. The intruder is then covered with layer upon layer of "nacre," the same substance used to create its shell. It takes years for a pearl to form, but in the end, the irritant is rendered harmless. Ahhh, if only we all had the power to turn things that annoy us...into things of beauty instead."

During a Fishing Tourney, Chip will accept sea creatures; however, they will not be scored. Chip will say this when given a Pearl Oyster:


 * "By the by, you can dry out the meat of a pearl oyster for quite a tasty meal. It's chewy. Not that I mind just eating them whole like this!"