[3] The fossil record of this species dates back to the Miocene (age range: 15.97 million years ago to present day).

Fossils have been found in Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Egypt, Greece, Spain, the United Kingdom, Austria, France and Germany.

[5] Shells are oval or pear shaped, white, yellowish or cream in colour, with a rough outer surface showing pale brown or bluish concentric bands on the right valve.

[8] Naturally viable populations have appeared in eastern North America from Maine to Rhode Island subsequent to artificial introduction in the 1940s and 1950s.

[12] In the 1950s, Dutch scientists artificially introduced Belon oyster seed into the waters around Maine in hopes to establish a viable stock.

The species once dominated European oyster production but disease, pollution, and overfishing sharply reduced the harvest.

[14][15] The adductor muscle of the European flat in combination with the shape of the shell results in a somewhat weaker seal compared with other oyster species.