Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Golden Mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally, and a high or medium climate match to the contiguous United States.

Limnoperna fortunei, the golden mussel, is a mussel native to China and possibly some of Southeast Asia as there is some confusion around the species native range. It has been introduced to a number of other countries where it has become established. Negative impacts, such as macrofouling, water clarity alteration, displacement and diet alteration of other species have been reported from these areas. Regulations for this species exist in Japan, Ontario (Canada), Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. L. fortunei has not been introduced to the United States but a number of sources report it as likely, comparing it to Dreissena polymorpha, due to its environmental tolerance and invasiveness. The history of invasiveness for L. fortunei is classified as High. The overall climate match was high, with the central, east, and southeast areas of the contiguous United States having high matches. The overall risk assessment category for Limnoperna fortunei is high.