Average size for 18 month old farmed mussels 100 mm; can grow to over 230 mm.Species native to New Zealand but closely resembles other Perna species found in South America and Africa.
External shell colour of juveniles and raft- cultivated adults predominantly green, inter-tidal and exposed mussels often dark, a! most black. All specimens have a distinctive ”green lip” around the internal margin of the shel1.
Occurs around most of New Zealand but is principally a warmer water variety. Ranges from low tidal to sub-tidal. Obtained mainly by farming. Production of farmed mussels is increasing and there is considerable scope for expansion.
