What types of marine life might a cavern diver encounter?

Cavern divers typically explore environments that are often freshwater systems or submerged cave ecosystems. In these settings, common organisms include catfish, crayfish, and various other freshwater species that can thrive in darker, more closed-in environments typical of caverns.

These species are well-suited to the unique conditions found in caves, including lower light levels and specific water chemistry. The presence of catfish and crayfish reflects an adaptation to the cave environment, where food sources and habitat availability cater to these organisms.

In contrast, the other types of marine life mentioned in the other options relate to different environments entirely. Large ocean fish and coral species, for instance, are typical of open ocean ecosystems, while predatory sharks and saltwater creatures inhabit coastal and deep ocean settings. Invertebrates usually found in deep waters may not be present in cavern systems, where the ecology is predominantly influenced by the freshwater life cycle. Thus, the focus on common freshwater species accurately depicts what a cavern diver might encounter.