A rare species of blind shrimp, known as the Ħarq il-Ħammiem cave-amphipod, has been discovered in Malta's only fully-submerged terrestrial cave in St Julian’s. This unique shrimp inhabits the cave, which contains a fascinating mix of three distinct water layers: freshwater at the top, brackish water in the middle, and seawater at the bottom.

The discovery was made by a team of scientists, including Italian researchers Sabrina Lo Brutto and Davide Iaciofano, Maltese naturalist Arnold Sciberras, marine biologist Alan Deidun, and fieldwork experts Jeffrey and Justin Sciberras.

During their exploration, they collected ten specimens in total: two damaged individuals, seven smaller females, and a male measuring 1.6 cm in length.

However, the future of this rare species and its delicate habitat is in danger. The cave has been significantly damaged over the years due to ongoing construction and roadworks, with recent developments exacerbating the situation.

These activities threaten not only the cave itself but also the survival of the unique shrimp species that depend on this fragile ecosystem.

What do you think about this curious find?