The golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei Dunker 1857, a representative freshwater invasive bivalve, can use its byssus to firmly adhere to various underwater substrate surfaces, causing a serious biofouling problem. Biofouling by golden mussels not only affects the health of aquatic ecosystems, but also brings about economic losses to water conservancy projects, transportation, and aquaculture, making it a potential threat to aquatic ecosystem safety and national economically important industries. Therefore, strategies to control the biofouling (named anti-fouling) of this species are urgently needed. To fundamentally solve the fouling problem caused by this species, it is necessary to strengthen an in-depth understanding of its biological characteristics and fouling mechanisms, as well as develop more economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly anti-fouling strategies. Therefore, this review summarizes advances in knowledge of fouling mechanisms and anti-fouling strategies for the golden mussel L. fortunei developed in recent years. The main biological characteristics and fouling mechanisms, including foot detection, byssus adhesion, and their environmental influences, are reviewed here. Research progress on anti-fouling strategies against L. fortunei is also summarized, including physical, chemical, biological, and material methods. This review provides support for an in-depth understanding of the fouling phenomenon and mechanisms of golden mussels and provides a theoretical reference for formulating effective anti-fouling strategies and maintaining aquatic ecosystem safety. The content of this review also has important reference value for the research and development of underwater biomimetic materials in the future.