New species of Paratya (Decapoda: Atyidae) from Australian inland waters – linking morphological characters with molecular lineages

Abstract

The taxonomic history of the atyid shrimp Paratya in Australia has been one of confusion due to the high morphological variability in material collected from its wide range of distribution. Early research concluded that all material should be considered a single species, P. australiensis Kemp, pending an acceptable revision. After morphological examination of material throughout the known distribution, others concluded that only a single species occurred in Australia. Molecular studies have recognised at least 10 distinct lineages. In the current study, fresh material was collected, and molecular sequencing was undertaken from a single leg from each specimen. Having confirmed the 10 lineages, the specimens were dissected for morphological examination. These lineages are recognised as distinct species and morphological descriptions are provided for seven new species: Paratya walkeri n. sp., P. spinosa n. sp., P. williamsi n. sp., P. whitemae n. sp., P. strathbogiensis n.sp., P. gariwerdensis n. sp. and P. rouxi n. sp. A new combination, P. arrostra Riek, is raised from sub-species to species, P. tasmaniensis Riek is reinstated and P. australiensis Kemp is redescribed. A key based on morphology is included.