Current classification of recent "large branchiopods"

Abstract

Data on the current classification of "large branchiopods" (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Anostraca, Notostraca, Spinicaudata, and Laevicaudata) are reported. I have provided (1) an outline of the status of "large branchiopods" among the current systems, (2) the large branchiopodan fauna of Japan at the species-level taxon, and (3) a generic list of living "large branchiopods" of the world, including a revision of Brtek's (1997) work. The living large branchiopodan fauna of Japan consist of 11 species (3 anostracans, 3 notostracans, 4 spinicaudatans, and 1 laevicaudatan), belonging to eight genera in eight families. With the exception of an anostracan Drepanosurus uchidai and a laevicaudatan Lynceus biformis, all the other species are not endemic to Japan, but are common to East Asia. This article is much supported by the opinions of Dr. Ján Brtek (Hornonitrianske múzeum, Slovakia), who kindly gave me helpful advice, relevant literature and unpublished data.