An Overview on the Aquatic Cave Fauna

Abstract

The diversity of the most frequent groundwater fauna groups is presented briefly in this chapter. Emphasis is given to stygobionts and their cave habitats, although comments on stygophiles and other groundwater habitats are given when appropriate. Information on each group representatives, distribution, and adaptations is also provided. This chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter on biodiversity of terrestrial cave habitats and should be completed with the chapters on aquatic diversity in anchialine and calcrete habitats.