Family BATHYNELLIDAE Grobben, 1904
Introduction
Bathynellidae contain more than 80 described species and 20 genera distributed in tropical, temperate and subantarctic environments. One described species and many undescribed species are known from Australia. The family was diagnosed by Schminke (1982).
Diagnosis
Pleon wider than thorax. Antennae directed anteriorly, without exopod or with exopod of 1 article bearing 1 characteristic seta. Paragnaths present. Labrum with smooth border. Mandible with prehensile palp armed with 2 strong setae and irregular teeth on gnathobase. Maxilla 1, article 2 with 2 or 3 feather-like setae on distal outer margin. Thoracopods 1-7 with 1-articled exopod, with setae on both margins. Pleopod 1 uniramous, 2-articled. Pleotelson with pair of dorsal setae. Uropodal peduncle short.
General References
Grobben, K. 1904. Lehrbuch der Zoologie, begründet von C. Claus, neubearbeitet von Dr Karl Grobben. Marburg in Hessen : Publisher unknown Vol. 1 480 pp.
Schminke, H.K. 1982. Syncarida. pp. 233-237 in Parker, S.P. (ed.). Synopsis and classification of living organisms. New York : McGraw-Hill Vol. 2