Introduced species can have strong impacts on the biodiversity, biogeochemistry, and economics of the ecosystems invaded (Darrigran & Damborenea, 2011;Strayer, 2010), as is the case with the golden mussel bivalve Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857).Monitoring of this species is an important detection tool for determining the level of invasion, reproductive periods and recruitment potential, indicating the most appropriate time for the use of control measures (Boltovskoy et al., 2013;Cataldo & Boltovskoy, 2000;Giglio et al., 2016). In addition, knowledge about its interactions with other organisms allows a greater understanding of population dynamics in relation to the availability of and competition for resources, as well as predation (Rojas Molina et al., 2010). Limnoperna fortunei is an epibenthic bivalve of the familyMytilidae; it is native to freshwater environments and low salinity estuarine regions in Southeast Asia (Ricciardi, 1998). The mollusk was introduced in other continents, probably through ballast water from transoceanic vessels (Darrigran & Damborenea, 2009;