A single individual New Zealand green lipped mussel was found in Westernport, Victoria in 2021. There are also frequent reports of New Zealand green lipped mussels, often in remote places (e.g. Norfolk Island, Cocos Islands or Cape York Peninsula). However, these are commonly imported ‘in the shell’ frozen mussels eaten on the beach/pier and shells discarded.

Any suspected detections of New Zealand greenlipped mussel should be reported.

Perna canaliculus is a large marine mussel that attaches to surfaces (e.g. rocks boats, piers) using threads (the 'beard'). It has a bright green periostracum (outer shell layer equivalent to an epidermis), though the periostracal colour can vary from pale yellowish, to deep blue-green, to dark brown, and the periostracum itself can sometimes be patterned with reddish brown rays. The middle shell layer beneath the periostracum is creamish white. The innermost shell layer is pearly white to iridescent. Young P. canaliculus often have fine light coloured zigzag markings on the periostracum (Vakily, 1989). Mature mussels are typically 100–170 mm in length, however individuals can grow up to 240.6 mm (Auckland Shell Club, 2019). P. canaliculus has a smooth shell with evenly spaced growth lines and a long straight dorsal hinge line (Department of Agriculture Australia, 2019). The ventral margin of the shell is markedly convex. The mussel is native to New Zealand, however it has been detected on vessels in Australia on numerous occasions and, much less often, growing in the environment. Shells (discarded after consumption) are also commonly found, sometimes in remote locations. No known populations of P. canaliculus have established in Australia.