This species is native to northeast Asia and now also present in parts of southeast Asia.[2][1][3][4] This large mussel is listed as endangered in South Korea.
In China, this species is significant as "one of the most important freshwater mussels for pearl production in the country."[6] It is used for medicinal purposes.[7]
Bogan, A. (2013). "FADA Bivalvia: World checklist of Freshwater Bivalvia Species" (version Jan 2013). In: Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life, 11 March 2013 (Roskov, Y.et al., eds). Online: www.catalogueoflife.org/col/. Species 2000: Reading, UK.