European Green Crab

Invasive Species | Fish and Invertebrates

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European Green Crab

(Carcinus maenas)
French common name: Crabe vert

An aggressive non-native crab species, the European Green Crab negatively impacts marine ecosystems by outcompeting native crabs for resources and by disrupting sensitive environments like eelgrass beds, which are important habitats for many fish and mussel species.

Description:

Size: Adult crabs can grow up to 10 cm in size, with young crabs closer to 3-4 cm.

Shape: trapeze-shaped serrated shell with 3 spines between the eyes and 5 spines on either side of the eyes. Claws are different in size.

Coloration: European Green Crabs can vary in colour including green, yellow, and red.

Micheal Langveld

Top view of Green Crab with 5 spines on each side of eyes visible

Common Look-a-Likes

Atlantic Rock Crab (Cancer irroratus)

  • Far greater amount of spines each side of eye

  • Spines are less prominent

  • Larger potential size than European Green Crab

Resources

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