Introduction

Atyidae is one of the most diverse shrimp families comprising at least 469 valid species (De Grave and Fransen 2011) being found in freshwater habitats world-wide with the exception of Antarctica. However, this high number of species is probably an underestimate of the family’s species richness. The latter becomes evident given the current indication of numerous, yet undescribed species, many of which being characterized as cryptic (Cook et al. 2006, Page and Hughes 2007, Page et al. 2008, Cook et al. 2008) and pending further research to be confirmed or not as such. Currently, 43 atyid genera (De Grave and Fransen 2011, Richard et al. 2012) have been established, five of which (Atyaephyra de Brito Capello, 1867, Dugastella Bouvier, 1912, Gallocaris Sket and Zakšek, 2009, Typhlatya Creaser, 1936, Troglocaris Dormitzer, 1853) are found in the broader Mediterranean region.

Atyaephyra is the most widespread atyid taxon in the Mediterranean region with its native range spanning from the Middle East to North Africa, a large part of Southern Europe and to some Mediterranean islands (Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily) (d’ Udekem d’ Acoz 1999). Furthermore, it has been introduced into North and Central Europe through river canals opened in France (e.g. Dhur and Massard 1995, Moog et al. 1999, Grabowski et al. 2005, Straka and Špaček 2009).

Geographic distribution of the genus Atyaephyra