July 9, 2026, 11:27 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Divers at Lake Garda have made a surprising discovery! A species of crab considered nearly extinct in Italy appears to be returning to the lake. Find out why this is so special and what it says about the condition of Lake Garda here.
Lake Garda is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe. However, the crowds are taking a toll on nature. This makes the discovery of the Italian freshwater crab (Potamon fluviatile) in the lake all the more remarkable. WWF Bergamo Brescia writes on its Facebook page that the return of the freshwater crab to Lake Garda is a sign of hope. When nature reclaims its spaces, it means protection is possible.
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Freshwater Crab Rediscovered by Chance
Divers from the environmental protection organization discovered the animals by chance. They were actually searching for invasive species. At the Veronese shore near Brenzone, they made the special discovery among rocks. The freshwater crab is Italy’s only native freshwater crab. However, it has been rarely seen since the 1990s.
And the even better news: It’s not just a single find. The divers were able to confirm an entire population, as reported by the Italian daily newspaper “Corriere della Sera.” Numerous sightings and video recordings confirm the return of the animals.
WWF representative Paolo Zanollo tells the newspaper that the footage shows both juvenile and adult specimens, indicating that the crabs are successfully reproducing.
What the Return Means for Lake Garda
Environmentalists are not only pleased about the crab’s return to Lake Garda but also about another fact. The crabs apparently feed on the invasive zebra mussel. This mussel species has been spreading explosively in Lake Garda since the 1980s, burdening the water. With the return of the Italian freshwater crab, this problem could be mitigated in the future.
The presence of the crab also indicates that the water quality of Lake Garda is excellent. WWF writes on Facebook that the native species is an important indicator of water quality and the health of the ecosystem.
To further protect the crab, vacationers are asked to leave the animals undisturbed and to share photos or videos so that monitoring of the species can continue.