golden mussel
(Limnoperna fortunei)
Golden Mussel
Scientific Name
Limnoperna fortunei
Appearance
Small freshwater mussel with an average length of 2-3 cm (approx. 1 in.) but may reach a length of 4.5 cm (approx. 2 in.). The shell is attached to the substrate with threads. Larvae are microscopic.
Shell
Round in cross-section; left and right valves slightly asymmetrical with a straight to slightly curved mid-ventral line. External shell color is dark to golden-brown. Interior of the shell is white to purple.
Similar Species
Zebra mussel and quagga mussel shells have white to yellow stripes, bars or zigzag patterns on the exterior.
Habitat
Found in lakes, rivers, wetlands, and bays. Tolerates fresh and brackish waters from 8°-35° C.
Introduced Range
Not known from North America. Has been introduced to Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and South America.
Native Range
China and southeastern Asia.
Pathway of Introduction and Spread
May be transported by ballast water in commercial shipping vessels. Larvae and adults may be spread by bait buckets, live wells and bilge water, attached to boat hulls, boat motors, boat trailers, and other equipment such as fishing gear and scuba gear.
Impacts
Forms dense colonies and filters large quantities of plankton from the water. May compete with native fish and invertebrates for food. May interrupt reproduction of native mussels. The shells are sharp and restrict recreational use of beaches. Colonize municipal and industrial water intake pipes restricting flow.
Invasive Species Act, 2015
To prevent the introduction and further spread of this unwanted invader in the province, Ontario has regulated it as a prohibited invasive species under the Invasive Species Act. For more information on the Invasive Species Actand regulations visit www.ontario.ca/invasionON.
References
Global Invasive Species Database. Limnoperna fortunei (mollusc). [Online] Accessed: [10-14-2013].
National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Marine Invasive Species: Limnoperna fortunei, Golden mussel, freshwater mussel. [Online] Accessed: [10-24-2013].
National Wildlife Federation. Non-Native Species: the Great Lakes, Golden Mussel (Limnoperna fortunei). [Online] Accessed: [10-24-2013].
Selected Images
Maps
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Mollusca |
| Class: Bivalvia |
| Subclass: Autobranchia |
| Infraclass: Pteriomorphia |
| Order: Mytilida |
| Superfamily: Mytiloidea |
| Family: Modiolidae |
| Subfamily: Limnoperninae |
| Genus: Limnoperna |
| Limnoperna fortunei |