New Zealand green-lipped mussel

Scientific name

Perna canaliculus

Key features

Key features of New Zealand green-lipped mussel include:

• smooth, dark brown to bright green shell
• thin reddish brown colour rays on shell
• evenly spaced grooves on shell
• shell thin at edges and thickens towards narrow end
• straight and long hinge line
• forms dense colonies
• shell up to 24cm long.

Habitat

The New Zealand green-lipped mussel:

• shores and shallow waters
• often attaches to hard surfaces like buoys, piers, rocks, marinas and port infrastructure etc.

Impacts

The New Zealand green-lipped mussel:

• fast-growing, displaces native species
• could have significant impact on mussel industry

Known established populations

The New Zealand green-lipped mussel is currently not present in Victoria.