At this size it is considered to be mature, although spawning may be delayed pending a suitable environmental signal, such as sudden changes in salinity. The mussel attains a maximum length of around 25 mm and is highly fecund with tens of thousands of eggs likely to be released at each spawning. Storm water drains and seawater intakes for industrial plants and mariculture facilities are also vulnerable to fouling by this mussel. The zebra mussel, which is a freshwater species, was introduced into the North American Great Lakes system, and has had massive economic and ecological impacts. Little information is available on its impacts at other sites in SE Asia.
Ecological impacts are more difficult to forecast, but are likely to be substantial.
The black-striped mussel was not detected on this occasion but a follow up wet season survey in March 1999 found the mussel in high numbers. A subsequent introduction occurred at a second site, Tipperary Bay. While it is possible that these sites are also infected, intensive diver surveys have so far failed to detect the mussel. The identity of the mussel was confirmed on 31 March 1999, the Northern Territory Government immediately quarantined the Cullen Bay marina, and chemical treatment using chlorine was begun that night. Tipperary Waters Estate and Frances Bay marinas were quarantined soon after and treatment of Tipperary Waters with copper sulphate began on 3 April.