A checklist of marine crustaceans known from Easter Island

Abstract

Easter Island constitutes the most isolated terrestrial ecosystem in the Pacific Ocean. The fauna of that site is interesting from a biogeographical point of view because species from Pacific Asia and South America can be found there, as well as endemic species. The aim of the present study was to compile a literature review of published records of marine Crustacea from Easter Island with the emphasis on the heterogeneity in habitats reported for each species. The results confirm the presence of species otherwise known from Pacific Asia, South America, as well as the expected endemic species. In spite of the little information that is generally provided in the habitat records for most species, it may still be possible to find a marked heterogeneity of ecosystems, together generating a complex system that warrants more detailed studies.