Biremia ambocerca n. gen., n. sp., the first record of the marine isopod crustacean family Bathynataliidae from Australian waters

Abstract

Biremia ambocerca n. gen., n. sp. is described and figured; it is distinguished from other bathynataliid genera by lacking operculate first pleopods, and in having biramous uropods. The genus is unique within the Isopoda in having a second endite on the maxilliped. The single specimen was taken off Lady Elliot Island, southern Great Barrier Reef, and is the first recordof the family from beyond the south-western Indian Ocean. A new family diagnosis is provided, and a key is given for the 3 monotypic genera of the Bathynataliidae