Chapter 18 Volcanic anchialine habitats of Lanzarote, in Cave Ecology

The island of Lanzarote is situated in the northern end of the Canary Islands and hosts one of the most diverse volcanic anchialine ecosystems in the world. Best known for Túnel de la Atlántida, Lanzarote has a diverse set of anchialine habitats, including lakes, pools, and even wells that penetrate into the subterranean aquifer. The porous nature of this volcanic terrain interconnects the different anchialine water bodies, providing suitable habitat for over 40 stygobitic species. Amazingly, this geologically young island is home to many characteristic anchialine fauna, including remipedes, thermosbaenaceans, and thaumatocyprid ostracods that have puzzled zoologists and biogeographers throughout the 20th century. Several stygobites with clear deep-sea affinities are also present, including the polynoid scale worm Gesiella jameensis and the galatheid squat lobster Munidopsis polymorpha, an iconic symbol to Lanzarote. While the known anchialine habitats of Lanzarote are relatively small in comparison to other regions, the unique combination of geology and faunal composition is providing exciting new insights into pathways of dispersal and colonization among anchialine environments. Ultimately these discoveries will continue to push anchialine research forward, stimulating new ideas and testable hypothesis in order to better understand these remarkable environments