greenlipped

The greenlipped mussel, Perna canaliculus, is an edible bivalve native to New Zealand. It is named for the distinctive green coloration along the inner margin of its shell. Belonging to the family Mytilidae, the species is a sessile filter feeder that attaches to rocky substrates with byssal threads and can reach lengths of about 10 to 12 centimeters.

Its natural range encompasses coastal waters around both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, from subtropical northern shores to cooler southern waters. It favors productive, sheltered habitats such as rocky coastlines, estuaries, and shallow reefs, where plankton supplies support rapid growth. The species is also the focus of commercial aquaculture in New Zealand, with extensive farming and export of live mussels and frozen products.

Industrial and medical use: In addition to being widely consumed as seafood, processing byproducts are used to produce green-lipped mussel extract (GLME), a nutraceutical marketed for joint health. GLME is valued for its content of omega-3 fatty acids and glycosaminoglycans, among other bioactive components.

Research and regulation: Scientific studies on GLME's efficacy for arthritis and inflammatory conditions have yielded mixed results, and products are not universally accepted as medical treatments. Potential shellfish allergies remain a safety consideration, and regulatory frameworks govern production and labeling in different markets.

Conservation and industry: The species is not currently listed as threatened; NZ authorities regulate harvest levels and promote sustainable aquaculture to protect wild populations and habitat quality. Ongoing research supports breeding, disease management, and optimized farming practices.