There is a major need for research of the invertebrates, which are mainly represented by a great variety of mollusks and arthropods. The habitat of the endemic fresh water crab, Potamon socotrensis , is the numerous, mostly sporadic streams. Little is known on its biology, and the fresh water biota. It is still uncertain if there are true fresh water fishes on Socotra. Many insects show an adaptation to the island conditions by reduced wings.
Scorpions belong to the few dangerous species.
Although Socotra is in broad biogeographical terms more closely linked with Africa, there are also interesting examples of relatives to Atlantic islands. Special investigations for each endemic species will be necessary to clarify the manner of speciation. Several areas on the island, notably the southern and western plateaus, the more isolated granite pinnacles as well as great parts of the coastal waters, have not been scientifically explored so far. There is a definite need for field surveys of any kind. Besides all the bio-geological pecularities, the cultural history of human inhabitants on the island is equally interesting.