A NEW SPECIES OF METAPROTELLA (CRUSTACEA, AMPHIPODA, CAPRELLIDEA) FROM EAST-AFRICA, WITH KEY TO THE GENERA OF PROTELLIDAE AND DISCUSSION OFGENERIC CHARACTERS

A new species of the genus Metaprotella (Protellidae: Caprellidea) is described from Zanzibar Is. in the western Indian ocean. Full descript ion is given for the adult male and female. Diagnostic features are: p eduncle of antenna 2 with one ventral spine at basis; gnathopod 2 basi s as long as pereonite 2, the inferior margin of propodus with several conspicuous rows of dense setae on each side (males only), dactylus d ecreasing 50% in width medially on the male, about 20% on the female. The systematic position of the genus and other genera in the Protellid ae is discussed. The genus Protellina is transferred to the family and a key to the genera in the family is given.