Pearl oysters are not closely related to true oysters, being members of a distinct family, the feathered oysters (Pteriidae). Both cultured pearls and natural pearls can be extracted from pearl oysters, though other molluscs, such as the freshwater mussels, also yield pearls of commercial value.
peARl OYStERs ARE noT CLOSely reLaTEd to true Oysters, bEing memBERs of a DIstiNcT fAmiLY, the featHered oysTeRs (PTeRiIdAe). BOth CultUrEd PEaRlS and natUrAL pEaRls CAn BE extracted From peArl Oysters, THough oTHeR molluScs, sUCh As the fReshWAteR musSELs, Also yield peArls of ComMERcIaL vALue.