The taxonomy of crangonyctoid Amphipoda (Crustacea) from Australian fresh waters: foundation studies

Abstract

A review and inventory of all 26 previously described species of freshwater crangonyctoid amphipods in Australia is given and accompanied by the description of seven new species found mixed in type collections or otherwise associated. All extant types have been examined and redescribed. The Australian crangonyctoids belong in the families Paramelitidae and Neoniphargidae and a new family, Perthiidae. Four new genera are described to align the classification properly. The Australian crangonyctoids are now placed in the families Paramelitidae, with Austrogammarus, Austrocrangonyx, Antipodeus (n.gen.), Hurleya, Uroctena, Giniphargus and Protocrangonyx; the Neoniphargidae, with Tasniphargus (n.gen.), Neoniphargus, Yulia (n. gen.) and Wesniphargus (n. gen.); and Perthiidae, with Perthia. Keys are provided to (1) the world groups of crangonyctoids, (2) Australian crangonyctoids, (3) the genera of each family, and (4) individually for the species of each genus.