Introducing 'Buster' the European Green Crab!

Don't be fooled: even though it's called a green crab... it isn't always green! Sometimes it can be a reddish or even orange color!

This feisty invader started all the way over in Europe and is now found in large numbers all over the world. It's even found right here in Cape Breton!

But be warned: while they may be fun to watch scurrying along the rocky shores, they can cause serious problems for the animals who lived there before them. Food and shelter are important for all animals and Buster Crab competes with them to survive. If it wins the fight for food and shelter, other animals won't be able to live in the same area as Buster Crab and the whole community may change. Argh!

What does Buster the European Green Crab look like?

• varies in colour from green, reddish-orange or tan, with a darker mottling on the shell
• the shell can be up to 10cm wide with 5 distinct triangular teeth on each side, between the widest part of the shell and the eyes
• the left and right claws of the green crab are both the same size