The origin of the anchialine cave fauna — the “deep sea” versus the “shallow water” hypothesis tested against the empirical evidence of the Thaumatocyprididae (Ostracoda)

Two alternative hypotheses explaining the origin of some of the oceanic anchialine cave faunas, viz. those of Iliffe et al. (1984) and Stock (1986a) are critically reviewed. Data pertaining to the phytogeny, ecology and biogeography of the myodocopid ostracods belonging to the Thaumatocyprididae (Halocyprida) show close affinities between the cavernicolous and the marine shallow water dwelling representatives.