This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biology, ecology, and impact of *Sinanodonta* freshwater mussels, native to East Asia, which have successfully invaded Europe, Central America, North Africa, and several Asian regions. The main introduction pathways of *Sinanodonta* were reconstructed based on DNA sequence data and distribution records. Invasive lineages of *Sinanodonta* belong to three species: *S. woodiana* s.s. (temperate invasive), *S. pacifica* (tropical invasive), and *S. lauta*. Their generalist fish-dispersed larvae, short life span, high fecundity, use by humans for multiple purposes, and ability to establish populations in anthropogenically disturbed conditions are crucial traits driving their invasions. While information on the consequences is limited, *Sinanodonta* can impact native species through larval parasitism, host fish/food competition, and parasite transmission. Ecosystem effects include filtration, biodeposition, and excretion activities, as well as massive die-offs. The lack of quantified ecosystem services and disservices, as well as understudied management methods in the invasive range, highlights the need for better understanding of *Sinanodonta* ecology, impacts, and management options to make informed decisions and set realistic restoration goals. The review also discusses the taxonomy, systematics, and evolution of *Sinanodonta*, the native and non-native distribution, major pathways and vectors of introduction, life cycle, habitat requirements, temperature range, water quality requirements, host fish relationships, symbionts, parasites, predators, community ecology, and major pathways and vectors of introduction.This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biology, ecology, and impact of *Sinanodonta* freshwater mussels, native to East Asia, which have successfully invaded Europe, Central America, North Africa, and several Asian regions. The main introduction pathways of *Sinanodonta* were reconstructed based on DNA sequence data and distribution records. Invasive lineages of *Sinanodonta* belong to three species: *S. woodiana* s.s. (temperate invasive), *S. pacifica* (tropical invasive), and *S. lauta*. Their generalist fish-dispersed larvae, short life span, high fecundity, use by humans for multiple purposes, and ability to establish populations in anthropogenically disturbed conditions are crucial traits driving their invasions. While information on the consequences is limited, *Sinanodonta* can impact native species through larval parasitism, host fish/food competition, and parasite transmission. Ecosystem effects include filtration, biodeposition, and excretion activities, as well as massive die-offs. The lack of quantified ecosystem services and disservices, as well as understudied management methods in the invasive range, highlights the need for better understanding of *Sinanodonta* ecology, impacts, and management options to make informed decisions and set realistic restoration goals. The review also discusses the taxonomy, systematics, and evolution of *Sinanodonta*, the native and non-native distribution, major pathways and vectors of introduction, life cycle, habitat requirements, temperature range, water quality requirements, host fish relationships, symbionts, parasites, predators, community ecology, and major pathways and vectors of introduction.