• Sphaeromatidea Wägele, J.W. 1989. Evolution und phylogenetisches System der Isopoda. Stand der Forschung und neue Erkenntnisse. Zoologica (Stuttgart) 140: 1-262 [163].

Introduction

Wägele's (1989) concept of the Sphaeromatidea included Limnoriidae, Hadromastacidae and Keuphyliidae, families treated here in their own suborder. The remaining families, once members of the Flabellifera, are all those not included in the scavenging, parasitic and predatory cymothoidan group. Many species are herbivores or detritivores without specialised mouthparts.

Sphaeromatidea have the pleonites fused to some degree and differ from the other large group of the former ‘Flabellifera’ in having the uropodal rami lateral to the margin of the pleotelson and folding down alongside the branchial space, whereas in Cymothoidea the uropodal rami are ventral to the pleotelson and articulating from side to side along a vertical axis inside the branchial space.

Brandt & Poore (2003) separated superfamily Seroloidea (four families) from Sphaeromatoidea (three families) but the morphological criteria on which this was done were weak. The small families Bathynataliidae and Basserolidae are similar to the larger Serolidae. The small families Ancinidae and Tecticipitidae are similar to the much larger Sphaeromatidae. But the relationships of Plakarthriidae and the enigmatic Paravireia are problematic. The superfamilies are not recognised here. The smaller families have diagnostic maxillula and maxilla being somewhat more reduced than in the Sphaeromatidae.

Wetzer et al. (2013) provisionally found using molecular data (16S, 18S genes) that Sphaeromatidea was not monophyletic but was part of a larger clade including Serolidae and Valvifera. Later, Wetzer et al. (2018) concluded that Sphaeromatidea (represented by Serolidae, Ancinidae, Plakarthriidae and many genera of Sphaeromatidae) was monophyletic. The largest family Sphaeromatidae is highly diverse, and the Plakarthriidae was doubtfully embedded within it.

Diagnosis

Head free from, or fused to pereonite 1. Pereopodal coxal dorsal plates present (secondarily reduced in some species); coxal dorsal plate of pereopod 1 fused to tergite, or free from tergite (Plakarthrium); coxal plate 7 present, or absent (coxal dorsal plate 6 and pleonal epimera 1 or 2 in contact); coxal ventral plates 1–7 (medial extension of coxa replacing sternite) obsolete (not distinguished from sternite), or extending to midpoint (well defined and separated by suture). Pleonites 1–5 variously fused, occasionally fused to pleotelson , pleonites 1–3 sometimes indicated by lateral sutures . Pleotelson underside vaulted, branchial chamber defined by ridges along mesial margin of lateral edge (except in Sphaeromatidae ‘Cassidiniinae’; ventrolateral margins of pleon and pleotelson narrow, or broad and flattened. Telsonic region of pleotelson elongate, anus situated anteriorly on pleotelson. Penial processes mesial, closer to midpoint than to pereopods. Mandibular lacinia mobilis present on both sides, or present on left side, reduced and fused with spine row on right, or absent; molar usually a cylindrical process with triturative flat end, or absent; palp present, or absent (-Plakarthrium). Maxilla trilobed. Maxillipedal endite reaching at least distal margin of palp article 2, usually distally truncate and setose. Pereopods 1–3 usually ambulatory (pereopod 1 sometimes subchelate or subprehensible), directed anteriorly; pereopods 4–7 directed posteriorly. Pleopods 1 and 2 biramous. Uropod attached anterolaterally on pleotelson or on posterior margin of pleotelson; peduncle not operculate; rami lateral to margin of pleotelson, articulating in longitudinal axis and folding alongside branchial space .

General References

Brandt, A. & Poore, G.C.B. 2003. Higher classification of the flabelliferan and related Isopoda based on a reappraisal of relationships. Invertebrate Systematics 17: 893-923

Wägele, J.W. 1989. Evolution und phylogenetisches System der Isopoda. Stand der Forschung und neue Erkenntnisse. Zoologica (Stuttgart) 140: 1-262

Wetzer, R., Bruce, N.L. & Pèrez-Losada, M. 2018. Relationships of the Sphaeromatidae genera (Peracarida: Isopoda) inferred from 18S rDNA and 16S rDNA genes. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 76: 1-30

Wetzer, R., Pérez Losada, M. & Bruce, N.L. 2013. Phylogenetic relationships of the family Sphaeromatidae Latreille, 1825 (Crustacea: Peracarida: Isopoda) within Sphaeromatidea based on 18S-rDNA molecular data. Zootaxa 3599: 161-177

History of changes

• Ancininae Dana, J.D. 1852. On the classification of the Crustacea Choristopoda or Tetradecapoda. American Journal of Science and Arts 2 14(41): 297-316 [305] [original spelling].

  Type genus:

   Ancinus H. Milne Edwards, 1840.

Introduction

Ancinidae comprise two small genera from quite different habitats, Ancinus from sand beaches of the New World and Bathycopea from shelf and bathyal environments of the Northern Hemisphere (Loyola e Silva, 1971). Their family status was confirmed by Bruce (1993). Iverson (1982) provided a more extensive diagnosis but treated the group as a subfamily of Sphaeromatidae.

Diagnosis

Body oval, vaulted; head medially fused with pereonite 1; pereonites 1–7 visible dorsally, separated by sutures. Coxal dorsal plates 2–7 delimited from tergite by suture; plate 7 similar to dorsal coxal plate 6. Pleon with pleonite 1 almost hidden dorsally, pleonites 2–5 fused, indicated laterally by none or one suture. Pleotelson broad, triangular. Antennular and antennal peduncles cylindrical, not part of margin of body. Mandibular incisor cultrate, with or without cusps. Maxillula mesial endite small, with 1 simple seta; lateral endite with 7–12 spines, some serrate. Maxilla mesial endite small; second and lateral endites with long setae. Maxillipedal palp of 5 free articles. Pereopod 1 subchelate, propodus swollen, palm with row of close-set robust setae. Pereopod 2 subchelate in males only. Pleopods 1–3 peduncles subquadrate, with terminal rami. Uropods attached anterolaterally to pleotelson; uniramous (exopod only), attached to anterolateral pleotelson.

General References

Bruce, N.L. 1993. Two new genera of marine isopod crustaceans (Flabellifera: Sphaeromatidae) from southern Australia, with a reappraisal of the Sphaeromatidae. Invertebrate Taxonomy 7: 151-171

Iverson, E.W. 1982. Revision of the isopod family Sphaeromatidae (Crustacea: Isopoda: Flabellifera) I. Subfamily names with diagnoses and key. Journal of Crustacean Biology 2: 248-254

Loyola e Silva, J.d. 1971. . Sobre os generos Ancinus Milne Edwards, 1840 e Bathycopea Tattersall, 1909, da colecao U. S. Nat. Mus. (Isopoda-Crustacea). Arquivos do Museu Nacional. Rio de Janeiro 54: 209-223

History of changes

• Bathycopea Tattersall, W.M. 1905. Some new and rare Isopoda taken in the British area. Report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, 74th Meeting at Cambridge, Transactions Section D: 601-602 [601].

  Type species:

   Bathycopea typhlops Tattersall, 1905 by monotypy.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Tasmania

Extra Distribution Information

Ireland, South Africa.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Southeast Transition (11), Central Eastern Province (12), Tasman Basin Province (13)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • 200 mile fishing zone: SE oceanic

Distribution References

History of changes

• Bathycopea typhlops Tattersall, W.M. 1905. Some new and rare Isopoda taken in the British area. Report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, 74th Meeting at Cambridge, Transactions Section D: 601-602 [601].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) USNM 52226 1♀ 1♂ specimens, W of Achill Head (2 localities) and WNW of Tearaght (3 localities), Ireland; whereabouts unknown, W of Achill Head (2 localities) and WNW of Tearaght (3 localities), Ireland.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Tasmania

Extra Distribution Information

Ireland, South Africa; deep-sea off WA (Poore et al. 2014)

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Southeast Transition (11), Central Eastern Province (12), Tasman Basin Province (13)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • 200 mile fishing zone: SE oceanic

Distribution References

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, continental shelf, continental slope, marine.

Extra Ecological Information

Soft bottom.

General References

Bruce, N.L. 1991. New records of marine isopod crustaceans (Sphaeromatidae, Cirolanidae) from south-eastern Australia. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 52: 263-275 [263] (Australian record)

History of changes

• Bathynataliidae Kensley, B. 1978. A new marine isopod family from the south-western Indian Ocean. Annals of the South African Museum 75: 41-50 [41].

  Type genus:

   Bathynatalia Barnard, 1957.

Introduction

Bathynataliids are a diverse family of four Southern Hemisphere species in three genera. The head embedded in the surrounding pereonite 1 resembles that of serolids but the two families differ in the number of free pleonites. The family Bathynataliidae was erected for a monotypic South African genus Bathynatalia Kensley, 1978 and expanded to include a second monotypic South African genus, Naudea Kensley, 1979. The third genus Biremia Bruce, 1985 occurs in Australia and has two described species

Diagnosis

Body elongate-oval, flat or vaulted, with rectangular pleotelson; head medially fused with pereonite 1; pereonites 1–7 visible dorsally, separated by sutures; pereonites 5–7 sternites and ventral coxal plates fused together at midline. Coxal dorsal plates 2–7 delimited from tergite by suture; plate 7 visible but shorter than coxal plate 6, or not visible dorsally. Pleon of 4 free pleonites (or pleonites 1, 2 fused dorsally) and fused pleonite 5-pleotelson, or of 5 free pleonites (with slight movement) and pleotelson; pleonal sternites 1–3 absent. Pleotelson scarcely tapering, uropods attached posteriorly. Antennular and antennal peduncles cylindrical, not part of margin of body. Mandibular incisor multicuspid; molar process absent. Maxillula mesial endite minute, with 1 short simple seta; lateral endite usually with 11 large setae. Maxilla mesial endite with few plumose setae; second and lateral endites each with 2 long setae or lateral endite absent. Maxillipedal palp of 3 articles, fused articles 2–3 oval. Pereopod 1 subchelate, propodus barely tapering, palm straight with row of well spaced robust setae, or subchelate, propodus about as wide as long, palm straight with few robust setae. Pereopod 2 not sexually dimorphic. Pleopods 1–3 peduncles subquadrate, with terminal rami. Uropods attached on posterior margin of pleotelson; biramous, or with knob-like rami fused to peduncle.

Diagnosis References

Poore, G.C.B. 2005. Biremia kensleyi, new species of Bathynataliidae, a small Southern Hemisphere family (Crustacea: Isopoda: Sphaeromatidea). Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 118: 55-62 [55] (diagnosis)

General References

Bruce, N.L. 1985. Biremia ambocerca n. gen., n. sp., the first record of the marine isopod crustacean family Bathynataliidae from Australian waters. Records of the Australian Museum 37: 295-299

Kensley, B. 1978. A new marine isopod family from the south-western Indian Ocean. Annals of the South African Museum 75: 41-50

Kensley, B. 1979. A second genus in the marine isopod family Bathynataliidae. Annals of the South African Museum 79: 35-41

Poore, G.C.B. 1985. Basserolis kimblae, a new genus and species of isopod (Crustacea) from Australia. Journal of Crustacean Biology 5: 175-181

Poore, G.C.B. 2005. Biremia kensleyi, new species of Bathynataliidae, a small Southern Hemisphere family (Crustacea: Isopoda: Sphaeromatidea). Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 118: 55-62

History of changes

• Biremia Bruce, N.L. 1985. Biremia ambocerca n. gen., n. sp., the first record of the marine isopod crustacean family Bathynataliidae from Australian waters. Records of the Australian Museum 37: 295-299 [296].

  Type species:

   Biremia ambocerca Bruce, 1985 by original designation.

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Depth between 150-458 m

IMCRA

Northeast Transition (19), Northeast Shelf Province (40)

Diagnosis References

Poore, G.C.B. 2005. Biremia kensleyi, new species of Bathynataliidae, a small Southern Hemisphere family (Crustacea: Isopoda: Sphaeromatidea). Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 118: 55-62 [56]

History of changes

• Biremia ambocerca Bruce, N.L. 1985. Biremia ambocerca n. gen., n. sp., the first record of the marine isopod crustacean family Bathynataliidae from Australian waters. Records of the Australian Museum 37: 295-299 [296].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM P35697 ♀, NE of Lady Elliot Is., QLD [24°03.7´S 152°49.4´E].

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Depth 150 m

IMCRA

Northeast Shelf Province (40)

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, continental shelf, marine.

Extra Ecological Information

Soft bottom, rubble.

General References

Poore, G.C.B. 2005. Biremia kensleyi, new species of Bathynataliidae, a small Southern Hemisphere family (Crustacea: Isopoda: Sphaeromatidea). Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 118: 55-62 [56]

History of changes

• Biremia kensleyi Poore, G.C.B. 2005. Biremia kensleyi, new species of Bathynataliidae, a small Southern Hemisphere family (Crustacea: Isopoda: Sphaeromatidea). Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 118: 55-62 [57].

  Type data:

   Holotype MTQ W13679 manca with 2 slides, east of Innisfail, Great Barrier Reef, QLD
  Comment: registration number has been confirmed with MTQ, this number differs to what is stated in the original description (Museum of Tropical Queensland 971).

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Depth 458 m

IMCRA

Northeast Transition (19)

Ecological Descriptors

Continental slope.

History of changes

• Basserolidae Brandt, A. & Poore, G.C.B. 2003. Higher classification of the flabelliferan and related Isopoda based on a reappraisal of relationships. Invertebrate Systematics 17: 893-923 [918].

Introduction

Pereopod 1 lacks the complex robust setae along the propodal palm seen in serolids and pleopods 1–3 have a quadrate peduncle, not the transverse triangular form seen in serolids. The only genus was removed from Serolidae by Brandt & Poore (2003).

Diagnosis

Body almost evenly oval, flat, margin defined by head, coxal plates and pleon, slight interruptions between coxal plates and pleon; head medially fused with pereonite 1; pereonite 7 not visible dorsally, submerged; pereonites 5–7 ventral coxal plates meeting in midline. Coxal dorsal plates 2–6 delimited from tergite by suture, 4–6 weakly so; plate 7 not visible dorsally. Pleon with pleonite 1 visible dorsally, without epimera; pleonites 2 and 3 free, with prominent epimera; pleonal sternites 1–3 present. Pleotelson broad, laterally oval. Antennular and antennal peduncles flattened, not part of margin of body. Maxillula mesial endite short, with 1 seta, lateral endite with 5 or 6 distal setae. Maxilla mesial endite obscure, without setae, second endite with 1 simple seta, lateral endite with 2 simple setae. Mandibular incisor triangular; molar process absent. Maxillipedal palp of 1 short article. Pereopod 1 subchelate, propodus barely tapering, palm straight with row of well spaced robust setae. Pereopod 2 not sexually dimorphic. Pleopods 1–3 peduncles subquadrate, with terminal rami. Uropods attached on posterior margin of pleotelson; biramous, with mesially expanded peduncle.

General References

Brandt, A. & Poore, G.C.B. 2003. Higher classification of the flabelliferan and related Isopoda based on a reappraisal of relationships. Invertebrate Systematics 17: 893-923

History of changes

• Basserolis Poore, G.C.B. 1985. Basserolis kimblae, a new genus and species of isopod (Crustacea) from Australia. Journal of Crustacean Biology 5: 175-181 [176].

  Type species:

   Basserolis kimblae Poore, 1985 by original designation.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from Australia.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Southeast Transition (11), Central Eastern Province (12), Tasman Basin Province (13), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • 200 m bathymetric: Bass Strait, Lower E coast
  • 200 mile fishing zone: SE oceanic
  • New South Wales
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria

History of changes

• Basserolis franklinae Poore, G.C.B. 1990. Two new species of isopod crustaceans belonging to Australian endemic genera (Serolidae and Chaetiliidae). Memoirs of Museum Victoria 51: 99-107 [99].

  Type data:

   Holotype NMV J17642 ♂ (3 slides), Bass Strait, S of Point Hicks, VIC, 200 m [38°14.80´S 149°9.30´E].
  Paratype(s) NMV J17643 1♂ specimen; AM P40047; NMV J17644.

Distribution

States

Victoria

IMCRA

Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Southeast Shelf Transition (37)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • 200 m bathymetric: Bass Strait
  • Victoria

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, continental shelf, marine.

Extra Ecological Information

Soft bottom.

History of changes

• Basserolis kimblae Poore, G.C.B. 1985. Basserolis kimblae, a new genus and species of isopod (Crustacea) from Australia. Journal of Crustacean Biology 5: 175-181 [180].

  Type data:

   Holotype NMV J6562 ♀, eastern Bass Strait [38°41.7´S 148°39.5´E].
  Paratype(s) NMV J6563, J6740–42, J6777; AM P34353.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Southeast Transition (11), Central Eastern Province (12), Tasman Basin Province (13), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • 200 m bathymetric: Bass Strait, Lower E coast
  • 200 mile fishing zone: SE oceanic
  • New South Wales
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, continental shelf, continental slope, marine.

Extra Ecological Information

Soft bottom.

History of changes

• Plakarthriinae Hansen, H.J. 1905. On the propagation, structure and classification of the family Sphaeromidae. Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science 49: 69-135 [115] [original spelling; subfamily of Sphaeromatidae].

  Type genus:

   Plakarthrium Chilton, 1883.
• Chelonidiidae Pfeffer, G. 1887. Die Krebse von Süd-georgien nach der Ausbeute der deutschen Station 1882–83. I. Teil. Jahrbuch der Hamburgischen Wissenschaftlichen Anstalten 4: 41-150 [85].

  Type genus:

   Chelonidium Pferrer, 1887.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Poore, G.C.B. & Brandt, A. 2001. Plakarthrium australiense, a third species of Plakarthriidae (Crustacea: Isopoda). Memoirs of Museum Victoria 58: 373-382 [374] (Pfeffer’s (1887) generic name Chelonidium is a junior synonym of Plakarthrium Chilton, 1883. Plakarthriidae (erected by Hansen (1905) as Plakarthriinae, a subfamily of Sphaeromatidae Latreille, 1825) is the family name used by most authors and, under ICZN (1999) Article 40, replaces Pfeffer’s (1887) family name, Chelonidiidae.)

Introduction

Plakarthriids are epizoans on large shallow-water algae. They are flattened, almost limpet-like inhabitants of shallow macroalgal communities. They are unique in that the margin of the body is defined entirely by flattened limbs, antennulae, antennae, pereopodal coxae and uropods. The head is free from pereonite 1 and, unlike most isopods, the first coxal plate is free from the pereonal tergite. The family is known from only three species of Plakarthrium, one on the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia Is. and Chile, a second in New Zealand, and the third in southern Australia. The similarities of this small family to other Flabellifera were discussed by Wilson et al. (1976) who could not decide on its affinities. Poore & Brandt (2001) thought an affinity with cassidiniine sphaeromatids likely. Surprisingly, Wetzer et al (2013) found Plakarthrium (Plakarthiidae) is nested within the Sphaeromatidae.
in most analyses.

Diagnosis

Body oval, flat, margin defined by plates of antennulae, antennae, coxae and uropods; head free from pereonite 1; pereonites 1–7 visible dorsally, separated by sutures. Coxal dorsal plates 1–7 delimited from tergite by suture; plate 7 expanded posteriorly, similar to coxal plate 6, visible dorsally. Pleotelson rectangular, flattened, pleonites 1, 2 fully or laterally demarcated, enclosed by coxae 7 laterally, uropods attached posteriorly. Antennular and antennal peduncles laminar, defining margin of body. Mandibular incisor with 2 blunt teeth; molar process absent. Maxillula with single endite, with 7 terminal stout setae. Maxilla with single endite, with 8 terminal stout setae. Maxillipedal palp of 5 free articles. Pereopod 1 ambulatory, palm with few setae. Pereopod 2 not sexually dimorphic. Pleopods 1–3 peduncles subquadrate, with terminal rami. Uropods attached on posterior margin of pleotelson; biramous, contiguous, terminal.

General References

Poore, G.C.B. & Brandt, A. 2001. Plakarthrium australiense, a third species of Plakarthriidae (Crustacea: Isopoda). Memoirs of Museum Victoria 58: 373-382

Wetzer, R., Pérez Losada, M. & Bruce, N.L. 2013. Phylogenetic relationships of the family Sphaeromatidae Latreille, 1825 (Crustacea: Peracarida: Isopoda) within Sphaeromatidea based on 18S-rDNA molecular data. Zootaxa 3599: 161-177

Wilson, G.D., Thistle, D. & Hessler, R.R. 1976. The Plakarthriidae (Isopoda: Flabellifera): déjà vu. Journal of the Linnean Society of London, Zoology 58: 331-334

History of changes

• Plakarthrium Chilton, C. 1883. Further additions to our knowledge of the New Zealand Crustacea. Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute 15: 69-86 [74].

  Type species:

   Plakarthrium typicum Chilton, 1883 by monotypy.
• Chelonidium Pfeffer, G. 1887. Die Krebse von Süd-georgien nach der Ausbeute der deutschen Station 1882–83. I. Teil. Jahrbuch der Hamburgischen Wissenschaftlichen Anstalten 4: 41-150 [86].

  Type species:

   Chelonidium punctatissimum Pfeffer, 1887 by monotypy.

Distribution

States

South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Southern Ocean from Antarctic Peninsula to South Georgia Is., Chile; New Zealand.

IMCRA

Southwest Shelf Province (31), Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • 200 m bathymetric: Bass Strait, G. Aust. Bight, S Gulfs coast, SW coast, Tas. Coast
  • South Australia
  • Tasmania: Tas. coast
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia

Distribution References

History of changes

• Plakarthrium australiense Poore, G.C.B. & Brandt, A. 2001. Plakarthrium australiense, a third species of Plakarthriidae (Crustacea: Isopoda). Memoirs of Museum Victoria 58: 373-382 [374].

  Type data:

   Holotype NMV J47067 ♀, Bicheno, granite reef 50 m offshore, N end of 'The Gulch', Tas. [41°53´S 147°18´E].
  Paratype(s) NMV J27472 ♂ 8♀, juv.; NMV J47021 ♂; NMV J47068 2♀; ZMH K-39833 3♀.

Distribution

States

South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

IMCRA

Southwest Shelf Province (31), Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • 200 m bathymetric: Bass Strait, G. Aust. Bight, S Gulfs coast, SW coast, Tas. Coast
  • South Australia
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia

Ecological Descriptors

Continental shelf, infralittoral fringe.

History of changes

• Serolidae Dana, J.D. 1852. On the classification of the Crustacea Choristopoda or Tetradecapoda. American Journal of Science and Arts 2 14(41): 297-316 [305].

  Type genus:

   Serolis Leach, 1818.

Introduction

Serolids are flattened benthic isopods with greatest diversity in the Southern Hemisphere but extending into equatorial regions in deep water (Brandt, 1988, 1991; Wägele, 1994). Serolids are distinguished from other sphaeromatideans by having the peduncles of pleopods 1–3 directed laterally from midventral sternites and often triangular or tapering. Many species, especially from deep water, have spectacular acute extensions of the coxal plates and pleonal epimera. Two foundation studies (Nordenstam, 1933; Sheppard, 1933) reviewed the anatomy and taxonomy of the family, then comprising one genus. Sheppard (1933) provided a key to the 37 species then known.

Serolids are widespread in bays, on the shelf and in the deep sea especially in the Southern Hemisphere. Most of the 110 species known were described in the genus Serolis Leach, but recent revisions placed all the Australian species in other genera (Poore 1987; Brandt 1988; Poore & Storey 2009). Keys to Australian species have been provided by Harrison & Poore (1984) and Poore (1987). The Australian fauna comprises many more species than are presently described with several species known from tropical shelves.

Diagnosis

Body more or less oval, flat, margin defined by flattened dorsal coxal plates and pleonal epimera 2, 3; head medially fused with pereonite 1; pereonite 7 tergite not visible dorsally. Coxal dorsal plates 2–4 or more delimited from tergite by suture, 5 and 6 weakly so if at all, or 1–7 not delimited from tergite by suture (rare); coxal plate 7 absent. Pleon with pleonite 1 visible dorsally, without epimera; pleonites 2 and 3 free, with epimera, sometimes prominent; pleonal sternites 1–3 present. Pleotelson usually more or less triangular or semicircular or pentagonal, uropods usually attached anterolaterally. Antennular and antennal peduncles flattened, not part of margin of body. Mandibular incisor with obsolete teeth; molar process absent. Maxillula mesial endite minute, with 1 short simple seta; lateral endite usually with 11 large setae. Maxilla with prominent mesial endite with plumose setae; second and lateral endites with 2 or 3 long serrate setae (rarely lateral endite absent). Maxillipedal palp of 3 articles, fused articles 2–3 cordiform, or of 1 short and 1 oval article (rare). Pereopod 1 subchelate, propodus oval, palm convex, with row of close-set robust setae. Pereopod 2 sexually dimorphic, subchelate in male. Pleopods 1–3 peduncles narrow, tapering, directed laterally, rami distal and subdistal. Uropods attached anterolaterally to pleotelson, or on posterior margin of pleotelson; endopod fused to peduncle (laminar, sometimes reduced or absent), exopod usually laminar (sometimes absent or styliform).

General References

Brandt, A. 1988. Theses Zoologicae. Antarctic Serolidae and Cirolanidae (Crustacea: Isopoda). New genera, new species, and redescription. Königstein : Koeltz Scientific Books Vol. 10 143 pp. [Date published 12/31/1988]

Brandt, A. 1991. Zur Besiedlungsgeschichte des antanktischen Schelfes am Beispiel der Isopoda (Crustacea, Malcostraca). Berichte zur Polarforschung 98: 1-240

Harrison, K. & Poore, G.C.B. 1984. Serolis (Crustacea, Isopoda, Serolidae) from Australia with a new species from Victoria. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 45: 13-31

Nordenstam, A. 1933. Marine Isopoda of the families Serolidae, Idotheidae, Pseudidotheidae, Arcturidae, Parasellidae and Stenetriidae mainly from the South Atlantic. Further Zoological Results of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition, 1901-1903 3: 1-284

Poore, G.C.B. 1987. Serolina, a new genus for Serolis minuta Beddard (Crustacea: Isopoda: Serolidae) with descriptions of eight new species from Australia. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 48: 141-189

Poore, G.C.B. & Storey, M.J. 2009. Brucerolis gen. n., and Acutiserolis Brandt, 1988, deep-water southern genera of isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda, Serolidae). pp. 143–160 in Bruce, N. (Ed). Advances in the taxonomy and biogeography of Crustacea in the Southern Hemisphere. ZooKeys 18

Sheppard, E.M. 1933. Isopoda Crustacea Part I. The family Serolidae. Discovery Reports 7: 253-362 [https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/5578032]

Storey, M.J. & Poore, G.C.B. 2009. New species of Brucerolis (Crustacea: Isopoda: Serolidae) from seas around New Zealand and Australia. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 66: 147-173

Wägele, J.W. 1994. Notes on Antarctic and South American Serolidae (Crustacea, Isopoda) with remarks on the phylogenetic biogeography and a description of new genera. Zoologische Jahrbücher. Abteilung für Systematik, Ökologie und Geographie der Tiere 121: 3-69

History of changes

• Brucerolis Poore, G.C.B. & Storey, M.J. 2009. Brucerolis gen. n., and Acutiserolis Brandt, 1988, deep-water southern genera of isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda, Serolidae). pp. 143–160 in Bruce, N. (Ed). Advances in the taxonomy and biogeography of Crustacea in the Southern Hemisphere. ZooKeys 18 [151].

  Type species:

   Brucerolis nowra Poore & Storey, 2009 by original designation.

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Between 450-2010 m depth

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Southeast Transition (11), Central Eastern Province (12), Lord Howe Province (14), Northeast Province (18), Northeast Transition (19), West Tasmania Transition (9)

Other Regions

Coral Sea Islands Territory

General References

Storey, M.J. & Poore, G.C.B. 2009. New species of Brucerolis (Crustacea: Isopoda: Serolidae) from seas around New Zealand and Australia. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 66: 147-173 (key to species)

History of changes

• Acutiserolis cidaris Poore, G.C.B. & Brandt, A. 1997. Crustacea Isopoda Serolidae: Acutiserolis cidaris and Caecoserolis novaecaledoniae, two new species from the Coral Sea. pp. 151-168 in Crosnier, A. (ed.). Résultats des Campagnes MUSORSTOM, Volume 18. Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris [1936-1950] 176: 1-570 [157].

  Type data:

   Holotype MTQ W13598 ♂, Coral Sea, near Townsville, QLD.
  Paratype(s) NMV J27642 5 ♂, 2 ovigerous ♀, 1 juvenile ♀, Coral Sea, near Townsville, QLD; MTQ many specimens, Coral Sea, near Townsville, QLD.

Generic Combinations

• Brucerolis cidaris (Poore & Brandt, 1997). —
  Poore, G.C.B. & Storey, M.J. 2009. Brucerolis gen. n., and Acutiserolis Brandt, 1988, deep-water southern genera of isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda, Serolidae). pp. 143–160 in Bruce, N. (Ed). Advances in the taxonomy and biogeography of Crustacea in the Southern Hemisphere. ZooKeys 18 [152] (new combination)

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Between 891-1491 m depth; also known from Chesterfield Islands

IMCRA

Northeast Province (18), Northeast Transition (19)

Other Regions

Coral Sea Islands Territory

Ecological Descriptors

Continental slope.

General References

Storey, M.J. & Poore, G.C.B. 2009. New species of Brucerolis (Crustacea: Isopoda: Serolidae) from seas around New Zealand and Australia. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 66: 147-173 [154]

History of changes

• Brucerolis howensis Storey, M.J. & Poore, G.C.B. 2009. New species of Brucerolis (Crustacea: Isopoda: Serolidae) from seas around New Zealand and Australia. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 66: 147-173 [154].

  Type data:

   Holotype NIWA 27431 ♂, Lord Howe Rise, Tasman Sea.
  Paratype(s) NIWA many specimens, Lord Howe Rise, Tasman Sea; NMV J55315 1 ♂ and 1 ♀, Lord Howe Rise, Tasman Sea.

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Between 1808−1828 m depth; distribution Lord Howe Rise, Tasman Sea

IMCRA

Lord Howe Province (14)

Ecological Descriptors

Continental slope.

History of changes

• Brucerolis nowra Poore, G.C.B. & Storey, M.J. 2009. Brucerolis gen. n., and Acutiserolis Brandt, 1988, deep-water southern genera of isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda, Serolidae). pp. 143–160 in Bruce, N. (Ed). Advances in the taxonomy and biogeography of Crustacea in the Southern Hemisphere. ZooKeys 18 [154].

  Type data:

   Holotype NMV J58261 ♂, off Nowra, NSW.
  Paratype(s) NMV many specimens, off Nowra; NIWA 49331 2 ♂ and 2 juveniles, off Nowra, NSW.

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Between 450-1750 m depth

IMCRA

Central Eastern Province (12)

Ecological Descriptors

Continental slope.

History of changes