Assessing the fast geographic range expansion of the Asian green mussel, Perna viridis (Bivalvia: Mytilidae), in the Brazilian coastal waters

ABSTRACT Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758) is an invasive species that has caused major environmental and economic impacts in several regions where it has been introduced. In Brazil, since its introduction in 2019, it has been rapidly expanding its distribution. We aimed at describing its geographic distribution expansion on the southeast and southern coast of Brazil based on biodiversity monitoring surveys, underwater observations documented through photography, and using the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. The collected individuals were identified through morphological and molecular analyses, confirming the identity of the species. The available evidence suggests it is rapidly expanding its geographic distribution in Brazil. In total, we provide 53 new locality records where the species was found. This mollusk is known for its great invasive potential and can become an important environmental problem, as it can alter the structure of natural habitats and ecosystems, and negatively affect the commercial harvest of economically important native marine organisms.