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Stygofauna are any fauna that live in groundwater systems or aquifers, such as , fissures and . Stygofauna and troglofauna are the two types of subterranean fauna (based on life-history). Both are associated with subterranean environments – stygofauna are associated with water, and troglofauna with caves and spaces above the water table. Stygofauna can live within freshwater and within the spaces of limestone, calcrete or laterite, whilst larger animals can be found in cave waters and wells. Stygofaunal animals, like troglofauna, are divided into three groups based on their life history – stygophiles, stygoxenes, and stygobites.
Extensive research of stygofauna has been undertaken in countries with ready access to caves and wells such as France, Slovenia, the United States and, more recently, Australia. Many species of stygofauna, particularly obligate stygobites, are endemic to specific regions or even individual caves. This makes them an important focus for the conservation of groundwater systems.
To survive in an environment where food is scarce and oxygen levels are low, stygofauna often have very low metabolism. As a result, stygofauna may live longer than other terrestrial species. For example, the crayfish Orconectes australis from Shelta Cave in Alabama has been estimated to reproduce at 100 years and live to 175 although more recent research suggests their lifespan is closer to 22 years.
Stygofaunal gastropods are found in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Australia. Stygobite turbellarians can be found in North America, Europe and Japan. Stygobite isopods, amphipods and decapods are found widely around the world.
are found in Europe and the U.S., but only some of these (such as the olm and Texas blind salamander) are entirely aquatic.
The approximately 170 species of stygobite fish, popularly known as cavefish, are found in all continents, except Antarctica, but with major geographical differences in the species richness.
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