UNDER WATER CAVE LIFE (WATER UNDER THE EARTH )

Exodus 20:4

Viewing the 1769 King James Version. Click to switch to 1611 King James Version of Exodus 20:4

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

Biospeleology: The Study of Cave Adapted Life

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.

	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

	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

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

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.