Tasmanian Cave Shrimps [Koonungidae]

Description

Koonungidae, or Tasmanian cave shrimps, represent a family of freshwater crustaceans that are endemic to Tasmania, similar to the Anaspididae. These organisms are adapted to life in caves, showing typical troglomorphic features such as reduced pigmentation and eyes. The family Koonungidae, like others in the order Anaspidacea, exhibits ancient characteristics not commonly found in more derived crustaceans, including a simple body structure without a carapace and a distinct, segmented thorax and abdomen. Their adaptation to cave environments makes them important subjects for studies on evolution and adaptation in isolated habitats.

Genera

Taxonomy