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at the University of Florida's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences |
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at the University of Florida's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences |
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| Distribution | Comparison of Perna Species | Florida's Native Mussels | Report a Sighting | Links | Contact Us | Baker Lab Home |
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Green mussels (Perna viridis) are non-native bivalve mollusks which have recently invaded coastal marine waters of Florida, USA. Evidence for the presence of this invasive species has been found on both the Gulf coast from the panhandle to Naples and the northern and north-central portion of the Atlantic coast. |
Green mussels growing on a boat motor. |
Like other mussels, green mussels attach to hard surfaces with tough byssal threads, and can form dense layers. In Florida, green mussels have already caused problems for some coastal industries. These dense assemblages of mussels can be costly problems when they clog seawater intakes, weigh down navigation buoys and foul the hulls and engines of boats. Green mussels can also have serious effects on Florida's native fauna. In Tampa Bay, some native oyster reefs have died off after being smothered by green mussels. | 
Green mussels in a native oyster reef |
| Fortunately for most of the United States, green mussels are tropical mollusks and are killed by cold weather. Even in Tampa Bay, Florida, green mussels have experienced cold-related die-offs. They may not spread much further north than they already have, although global warming may expand their potential habitat. It is too early to say whether green mussels are safe to harvest for human consumption, and we recommend against it until further information is available. They are edible in their native range, but in Florida, green mussels mostly grow in waters that are either polluted or prone to harmful algal blooms. |  __
A bridge piling in Tampa Bay before and after a cold snap. Notice the area occupied by green mussels in the first photo (before) is bare in the second photo (after). |
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