Common name: New Zealand mussel, Channel mussel, New Zealand green-lipped mussel

Japanese name: Moegiigai (萌葱貽貝)

Scientific name: Perna canaliculus (Gmelin, 1791)

Nigiri sushi detail: New Zealand mussel (Moegiigai) Nigiri sushi

Characteristics:

New Zealand mussel (Moegiigai) is endemic to New Zealand. It occurs throughout the country but is more common in the warmer North. It prefers moderately exposed situations and full salinity. Shell up to 260 mm long, 110 mm wide, and 90 mm deep. More elongated and curved than Mytilus edulis. The shell color of juveniles is bright green, wild adults are often dark purple to black.

Moegiigai is farmed in large quantities in New Zealand and is one of the most important industrial species worldwide, along with Mediterranean mussel (Murasakiigai). It is similar to Mediterranean mussel in both shape and taste. Its unique flavor makes it suitable for paella as well as curry, steamed dishes, and pasta.