Brown mussel

Marine species not currently found in Australia.

Brown mussel (Perna perna) is a fast growing pest that competes with native species. It fouls navigation buoys, petroleum platforms, wrecks, jetties, and other hard surfaces.

This pest can accumulate heavy metals and toxins, causing shellfish poisoning if eaten by humans. This mussel is listed as an Australian Priority Marine Pest.

Declared noxious under the Fisheries Management Act 2007. Noxious species are a severe threat to the natural environment and industries. They cannot be held or traded in South Australia without specific authorisation and must not be returned to the water if caught.

Characteristics:

• Dark brown shell
• Smooth with evenly-spaced growth lines
• Straight and proportionally long hinge
• Thin at edges and thickens towards narrow end
• Around 9 cm long, but can be 5 cm to 17 cm long
• Forms dense groups