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| Biospeleology: The Study of Cave
Adapted Life |
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last
updated 20 September, 2021
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We have included a small
portrait gallery of obligate cave species (Stygobites) that inhabit the anchialine caves of
Quintana Roo. It is our hope that this gallery might assist you in identifying
and appreciating a few of the residents of these caves. Should you
be interested in a short narration on the history of Biospeleology in this region, click
here.
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Bahalana
mayana A
small isopod, up to 10 mm in length, that favors a specific
niche between the fresh and salt water zones (the
halocline). This animal is found in the Esqueleto
(Temple of Doom) cave, and occasionally in the
siphon area of the Carwash cave. |
| Photo: J. Carpenter |
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Creaseriella
anops A
large isopod, up to 22 mm in length, which is a common resident
to most caves of the area. This animal can be identified by
its size and spirited swimming habits. |
| Photo: J. Carpenter |
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Stygiomysis cokei This
species, up to 21 mm in length, is one of four Stygiomysis
sp. that reside in the underwater caves of Quintana Roo.
These animals do not swim within the water column - as do the
rest of anchialine critters. Species of stygiomysids are
"crawlers", preferring rocks, walls, and the ceiling
of their stygian habitat. Cave divers often dislodge these
animals from a cave ceiling with their exhaust bubbles, and
misidentify the animal as Speleonectes tulumensis
(Remipedia). Look for their square "head". |
| Photo: J. Carpenter |
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Olgilbia pearsi aka.
Typhliasina
pearsi One of two
vertebrate cave adapted species in the region. They are known
to abandon popular cave diving routes for more secluded cave areas. |
| Drawing:
M. Navarro-Mendoza |
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Conservation
of Caves is Vital |
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Please
do not attempt to collect biological or geological specimens within any
cave. Sampling of cave life or materials must be supervised directly by
a Speleologist who is familiar with the natural environment of the cave
you are removing samples from. Your actions, if not directly supervised,
will ultimately contribute to unnecessary damage to the cave and its
life.
Follow
this link if you are concerned about the
growing problem of underwater cave incursions by Astyanax mexicanus
and declining Troglobitic populations in Quintana Roo caves.
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Updates and corrections are welcome: chac<at>consolidated.net
© QRSS, 2000-2022
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