Fisheries Infosite

Green-lipped mussel Central (Egmont) (GLM8)
Maori name
Scientific name
Perna canaliculus

Physical characteristics

Green-lipped Mussels are predominantly green and can grow to a maximum size of over 240 mm in length.

Life cycle

There is little age data available for Green-lipped Mussel. Maturity is thought to be reached at 27 mm. They are broadcast spawners, and spawning takes place in late spring-autumn.

Habitat

Green-lipped Mussels are found throughout New Zealand waters but are most common in central and northern parts of the country. They are found to depths of 50 m.

 
Key statistics
Recreational significance High
Customary significance High
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025