Biogeography of the marine Isopoda of the Indian Ocean, with a check-list of species and records

The marine isopod fauna of the Indian Ocean is reviewed in terms of its species diversity and biogeography. For the purposes of the review, the northeastern boundary of the Indian Ocean is defined at Cape Talpot in northern Western Australia and at Rottnest Island/ Perth in southern Western Australia. The history of isopod systematics in the Indian Ocean is reviewed by region, and the great lack of knowledge for Madagascar, parts of Western Australia, the east coast of Africa, and the continental shelf/slope overall, is noted. Previous research on the biogeographical provinces or regions of the Indian Ocean is briefly reviewed. For some groups of organisms, an impression of overall homogeneity for me…