Story: Life in fresh water

Groundwater life forms

Groundwater life forms

These three organisms live in groundwater: Hexabathynella aotearoae (top – around 1 millimetre long), Paracrangonyx compactus (centre) and Phreatoicus typicus. Like many other life forms that live in groundwater they are almost colourless and have poor or no eyesight. Many are also small and have brief life cycles. They have adapted to an environment with a limited and unreliable supply of food.

Using this item

NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Roger Young, 'Life in fresh water - Freshwater habitats', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/11615/groundwater-life-forms (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Roger Young, published 24 Sep 2007