The largely unexplored sea caves of the Caribbean are home to a secretive and as yet little-understood fauna, which researchers are only just beginning to uncover.
A new article published in ZooKeys, co-signed by Karl Wittmann and Pierre Chevaldonné (IMBE, CNRS, NEMO team), highlights this unexpected richness.
Based on samples taken during the mission TRIVIA-2 In the Lesser Antilles, supplemented by further sampling and the study of museum collections, researchers have identified 27 species of mysidaceans, small crustaceans similar to prawns.
Some of these species live exclusively in these underground habitats, whilst others are simply associated with them. The study combines morphological observations and genetic analyses to gain a better understanding of the relationships between these species and to refine their classification.
A number of significant discoveries are presented, including the description of new species and even the creation of a new genus. This research has also made it possible to extend the range of certain species, which are now found in the Caribbean.
By bringing together data from fieldwork, collections and the literature, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the mysidaceans found in the region’s sea caves. It constitutes a a valuable resource for better understanding and preserving these unassuming yet exceptionally rich ecosystems.
