摘要: A synthesis of ecological data available for subterranean fishes throughout the world is presented, and comparatively analyzed in an evolutionary context. Methods research are described, their potential limitations study hypogean discussed. Ecology troglobitic (exclusively subterranean) discussed with focus on distribution areas, population densities sizes, use habitat movements, life cycle feeding. When available, these species compared epigean relatives. Putative autapomorphies fishes, including change, adaptations to cope food scarcity, precocial lifestyles, interpreted contexts. Species interactions among species, cases syntopy predation briefly analyzed. Non-troglobitic importance role, also addressed. Problems classification according Schiner-Racovitza system (troglobites, troglophiles trogloxenes) discussed, a scenario evolution populations presented.