Metaprotella tanzaniensis, a new caprellid (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Protellidae) from Tanzania, with a key to the species of Metaprotella

Abstract

A new species of caprellidean amphipod, Metaprotella tanzaniensis, is described based on specimens collected by the expedition of “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History from the coasts of Tanzania. Metaprotella tanzaniensis differs primarily from the remaining species of Metaprotella by the 2-articulate pereopods 3 and 4 and the setal formula 1-x-1 of the mandibular palp. On the basis of these characteristics the diagnosis of the genus Metaprotella is modified. A key to the species of Metaprotella is provided and a discussion on the family Protellidae is included.