Golden Mussels

(Limnoperna fortunei)

Tags: Aquatic | EDRR

Identification and Reproduction

Golden mussels are 2-3cm in length but can reach up to 4.5cm.
Veligers are microscopic in size.
Shells are dark brown, yellow or golden.
Like zebra and quagga mussels, golden mussels posess tough byssal threads, which our native mussels lack. These fibres are strong and sticky, allowing them to attach to rocks and other hard surfaces.

Adult mussels spawn multiple times per year and can produce thousands of microscopic larvae (veligers).

Golden mussels grow in fresh or brackish waters.
Water temperatures can range from 8-35°C.
Mussels attach to surfaces both hard and soft. They can even attach to aquatic plants.
Currently, the only place in North America these mussels are found is in California. There are no known populations of golden mussels in BC.

They can clog pipes of water treatment and power plants, disrupt ecosystems with large monocultures, and are difficult to remove.
Invasive mussels pose a serious threat to the biodiversity and fisheries of water systems.
As prolific filter feeders of plankton, they significantly reduce the amount of food available to native species.
Their sharp shells will wash up on beaches and make it painful to walk barefoot and are very unpleasant for recreational users.

Learn how to identify golden mussels and how to prevent accidentally spreading these invasive species.
CLEAN DRAIN AND DRY YOUR WATERCRAFT!
Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment after each use. Remove all plants, animals and mud before moving to a new waterbody.
These species are listed under Prohibited Species and are illegal to possess, breed, transport or release.
Drain water from motor, live well, bilge and transom wells while on land.
Clean all recreational equipment with a high pressure wash, hot water, OR let it dry in the sun for at least 5 days.
Please report all sightings of golden mussels to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline: 1-877-952-7277