The families and genera of marine Gammaridean Amphipoda

Keys and diagnoses, with illustrations, to the families and genera of marine gammaridean Amphipoda are presented here in the form of a handbook. Since 1906 the number of families has been increased by 25 percent, the number of genera by 200 percent and the number of species by nearly 200 percent. At best, the present work is a stopgap. Specialists recognize that much exploration and discovery remain to be accomplished in the Amphipoda. No specialist is nearly satisfied with current classification at familial levels. Many genera are extremely confused, not only for the lack of clear description of their type-species but for the obviously erroneous inclusion of many of their congeners.