World's largest underground lake is in Namibia

          Namibia is home to the world’s largest non-subglacial underground lake. The presence of this massive lake was unknown until 1986 when a team from South Africa explored Dragon Breath Cave, named because of the dense fog that can emerge from the entrance. In order to reach the lake, one must rappel over 300 feet down narrow passages and into a cavern large enough to fit 3 jumbo jets head to tail. The surface of the lake is over 2 hectares, and has an unknown depth. Divers have descended over 430 ft and were still unable to reach the bottom.

The underground lake is 330 feet below the surface. 

            Because no light reaches the surface of the lake, prohibiting algae growth, as well as limited wave action on the lake surface, the water in the lake is incredibly clear. 16 species of invertebrates and one species of bat reside in the cave. The world’s rarest and most isolated species of fish, the Golden Cave Catfish (Clarias cavernicola) also calls this cave home. It is blind, and feeds on floating detritus that falls into the cave. The population only consists of 200-400 individuals and this species is therefore critically endangered. 

The Golden Cave Catfish is the rarest and most isolated species of fish in the world. 

             Due to ground water depletion, it is possible the lake could disappear, or its ecosystem be seriously altered before humans have a chance to fully explore this remarkable geological feature. Water is a rare and valuable commodity in Namibia, and the management of this resource to meet the needs of both people and ecosystems is a challenge.

-Christina

Sources:
https://tvandfilms.wordpress.com/2013/01/06/africa-kalahari/
http://www.fondriest.com/news/dragons-breath-cave-underground-lake.htm
https://www.gondwana-collection.com/blog/why-the-dragons-breath-cave-in-namibia-is-so-special/