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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Asian date mussel

Synonyms and Other Names: Musculista senhousia

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Arcuatula senhousia have an elongated shell. The exterior of the shell is covered with a greenish or occasionally red periostracum, which is the outermost layer of the shell. They often have brown markings along their shell (Harbo 1997).

Size: Up to 1.5 inches (40 mm).

Native Range: Arcuatula senhousia have an extensive native range throughout Asia including Siberia, the Kurile Islands, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and are found along the coast of China (Cohen, 2005).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Arcuatula senhousia prefer estuarine conditions and live within the intertidal zone (Harbo 1997). They are a nest-building species, that form large intertidal and shallow subtidal "colonies". These colonies are almost fully submerged in the substrate, with only siphons protruding (Carlton 1979).

Means of Introduction: Arcuatula senhousia were introduced with Japanese oysters to Washington and central California (Carlton 1979).

Impact of Introduction:

Summary of species impacts derived from literature review. Click on an icon to find out more...

Ecological

Arcuatula senhousia has been characterized as an opportunistic species with high reproductive capacity, fast growth rate, and an ability to rapidly colonize a variety of substrates. This species can alter habitats and native ecosystems by creating and stabalizing local mudflat areas. This is accomplished by the mussel's nest-building habit, combined with the production of large quantities of mucus-bound feces and pseudofeces (Carlton 1979).

Remarks: In China, Arcuatula senhousia is consumed by people. In Japan, they are used as fishing bait and as feed-stock for shrimp and crab aquaculture (Carlton 1979).

References: (click for full references)

Carlton, J. T. 1979. History, Biogeography, and Ecology of the Introduced Marine and Estuarine Invertebrates of the Pacific Coast of North America. :904 pp.

Cohen, Andrew N. 2005. Guide to the Exotic Species of San Francisco Bay. San Francisco Estuary Institute, Oakland, CA. http://www.exoticsguide.org/species_pages/m_senhousia.htm.

Harbo, Rick M. 1999. Shells & Shellfish of the Pacific Northwest :270 pp.

Other Resources:
Guide to the Exotic Species of San Francisco Bay

Global Invasive Species Database

NIMPUS - An information system for marine introductions in Australia

Author: Elder, N.E.

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.