This shellfish is economically important to New Zealand.
It differs from other mussel species in that it has a dark brown/green shell,
a green lip around the edge of the shells and only has one adductor muscle.
It is also one of the largest mussel species reaching 240 mm in length.

Green-lipped mussels contain a unique combination of fatty acids that
are not found in any other marine or plant life.
One of these acids, glycosaminoglycan, can assist in
the repair of damaged joint tissues.