Trogloarctus trionyches

Trogloarctus trionyches is a species of tardigrade in the family Coronarctidae. It is the only species in the genus Trogloarctus, which is part of the family Coronarctidae. This microscopic animal was discovered in a submarine cave called Trois Pepes near La Ciotat in southern France, representing the first member of the otherwise deep-sea family Coronarctidae found in a cave environment. The species name refers to its distinctive three-clawed feet, which differentiate it from other Coronarctidae genera that possess four claws. The discovery of Trogloarctus in a submarine cave with deep-sea-like conditions supports the hypothesis that marine caves may serve as ecological refuges for deep-sea organisms during periods of sea level regression.