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Close-up images of golden mussels (Limnoperna fortunei) recently discovered in California. (California Department of Water Resources/FOX Weather)

SACRAMENTO, California – An invasive species of freshwater mussel, never before seen in United States was found in California.

golden musselsor Fortune’s pillow, were recently found in Stockton Harbor in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta, the The California Department of Parks and Recreation (PARKS) said.

Freshwater mussels are native to China and the Southeast Asiaand likely came to California on a ship from an international port, the department said.

This is the first known introduction of the golden mussel to North America, according to PARKS.

“The species poses a significant immediate threat to the ecological health of the Delta and all of the state’s waters, water conveyance systems, infrastructure and water quality,” PARKS said. So it is important that the mussels are contained quickly. The agency said suspicious mussels have already been spotted at O’Neill Forebay in Merced County, California.

Close-up images of golden mussels (Limnoperna fortunei) recently discovered in California. (California Department of Water Resources/FOX Weather)

PARKS said waterways heavily infested with golden mussels have seen native species affected, water quality diminished and local and industrial water intakes blocked.

If the mussels cannot be contained, they risk infiltrating several freshwater systems in California and spreading to other ports in North America.

The mussels look similar and have a similar impact to other mussel species, such as zebra and quagga mussels, so genetic testing must be done to confirm species identification, PARKS said.

The California Agency of Natural Resources urges anyone working or recreating in freshwater to clean, drain and dry their watercraft and equipment each time they remove them from a body of water.

To report suspected California golden clams, please go to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Invasive species program.

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