Caprellidae

Key to the Caprellidae of Mauritius

The species key provided can be used without dissection. McCain (1968) includes a lateral view of a generalised caprellid showing the names of the different parts. Consultation of these figures could be useful for the use of the key

1. Pereopods 3 and 4 absent.. Antenna 2 setose ........................... Caprella scaura (Fig.2)

– Pereopods 3 and 4 present, although very reduced. Antenna 2 not setose.......2

2. Pereonites 6 and 7 fused................................................................................................ 3

– Pereonites 6 and 7 not fused.......................................................................................... 4

3. Body with dorsal projections ....................................... Metaprotella sandalensis (Fig.8)

– Body dorsally without dorsal projections............. Metaprotella mauritiensis (Figs.4–7)

4. One or two dorsal projections on the head.................................................................... 5

– Head smooth without projections.................................................................................. 6

5. Two acute projections dorsally on the head. Pereopods 3 and 4 reduced but visible..... ...................................................................................... Orthoprotella australis (Fig.10)

– Only one dorsal projection on the head. Pereopods 3 and 4 very reduced. Very small size........................................................................... Noculacia sp (Fig.9)

6. Gnathopod 2 setose, pereonites 5–7 short and robust. Abdomen not visible in the lat­ eral view .................................................................................. Paracaprella sp (Fig.11)

– Gnathopod 2 not setose, pereonites 5–7 elongate. Abdomen projections visible in the lateral view......................................................... Hemiaegina minuta (Fig.3)