The Hellenic Institute of Speleological Research and the Hellenic Speleological Federation have nominated the animals of the Niphargidae family as “Cave Animal of the Year 2026“ for Greece, participating in the well–known Global Campaign and contributing to informing and raising awareness among citizens about the unique forms of life in the underground ecosystems of our country.

The family Niphargidae was established in 1977, based on the genus Niphargus, which originated from the ancient Greek word Niphargis (Νιφαργής), meaning “snow-white.” This family of amphipod crustaceans (small crustaceans) includes at least 440 species that usually live in groundwater (aquifers, caves, springs, wells, hyporheic rivers’ zone, etc.) of Western Eurasia. These species are completely blind (anophthalmous); their bodies are colourless or white, often translucent, and they have elongated antennae and appendages to orient themselves and detect food through touch and chemosensitivity.

In Greece, 23 species have been described to date, of which 21 are endemic. There are still at least 4 new species that are expected to be described soon.