Asian green mussel
Alert
Asian green mussel has been detected south of Weipa in Queensland. For more information on this, read the media release.
Be on the lookout for Asian green mussel and report it to Biosecurity Queensland. Early detection and reporting are the key elements in controlling Asian green mussel.
Call us on 13 25 23.
Asian green mussels
© Queensland Government
Asian green mussel with size scale
© Queensland Government
Asian green mussels cluster
© Queensland Government
Asian green mussels on hull
© Queensland Government
Native to the north-western Pacific from Siberia to Singapore, the Asian green mussel is bright green when young and dark green to brown when mature. It is an invasive marine pest that can be transported in ship ballast water, on vessel hulls, in internal seawater systems and on items such as aquaculture equipment.
The Asian green mussel has been introduced to the waters of the USA, Mediterranean and South America. Fast-growing and able to tolerate a wide range of conditions, it can spread rapidly in new locations, particularly where local predators are limited. They form dense populations (up to 35,000 individuals per square metre) on a variety of structures including vessels, wharves, aquaculture equipment, buoys and other hard substrates. Introduced populations of the green mussel can out-compete native species, foul hard surfaces, and accumulate poisonous toxins.
Asian green mussels are prohibited marine animals under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
Scientific name
Similar species
- Septifer bilocularis, Perna canaliculata (NZ green mussel)
Description
- A large mussel, often growing to 10cm and occasionally reaching 16cm in size.
- Juvenile shell is bright green.
- Adults tend to retain the green colour along the growing edge only, developing an olive or brown colouration nearer to the attachment point.
- Shell exterior is smooth with concentric growth rings and finely pitted ridge for ligament attachment.
- Shell interior is smooth, iridescent pale blue to green.
- Shell beak has interlocking teeth (1 in right valve, 2 in left).
- Posterior is wavy, adductor muscle is large and kidney-shaped.
Habitat
- Prefers warm estuarine (salty) waters.
- Can survive for short periods in cool or less salty waters.
- Prefers hard surfaces.
- Settlement is greatest from 0-10m depth.
Distribution in Queensland
- Not yet established in Queensland.
Life cycle
- Fertilised eggs form larvae, which exist in plankton for up to 55 days before settling.
- Animal develops after settling and lives for about 2 years.
Impacts
Environmental
- Out-competes native species.
- Fouls hard surfaces, including vessel hulls, seawater systems, industrial intake pipes, wharves, artificial substrates and buoys.
- Accumulates high concentrations of toxins and heavy metals, which can cause shellfish poisoning if eaten by humans.
Economic
- Fouls hard surfaces, including vessel hulls, seawater systems, industrial intake pipes, wharves, artificial substrates and buoys.
Social
- Accumulates high concentrations of toxins and heavy metals, which can cause shellfish poisoning if eaten by humans.
Control
- Slipway operators, vessel inspectors and vessel owners should thoroughly check, clean and, where possible, dry vessel hulls and niche areas such as internal seawater systems.
- Early detection is essential for preventing pest establishment. If you have seen Asian green mussels, please immediately contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
Legal requirements
- Asian green mussel is a prohibited marine animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
- All sightings of Asian green mussels must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
- By law, everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risk of Asian green mussels spreading until they receive advice from an authorised officer.
More information
- Minimise the spread of marine pests - keep your boat clean
- Contact the Customer Service Centre
- Asian green mussel (PDF, 1.1MB)
- Asian bag mussel
- Last reviewed: 12 Jul 2017
- Last updated: 12 Jul 2017