We provide an updated checklist of the snapping shrimps of the genus Alpheus Fabricius, 1798 (Crustacea: Alpheidae) from the Brazilian coast, as well as a key for their identification. The checklist was based on an exhaustive analysis of the literature published up to now, supported by analysis of material of 24 of the 33 species presently recorded from Brazil. Illustrations of the main diagnostic characters are provided to facilitate the identification process, as well as color photographs of 16 species collected by the authors, to facilitate the identification of fresh specimens. For each species, we provide information on the distribution and a list of previous records for the Brazilian coast. Comments on dubious records or taxonomic remarks are provided when appropriate. Finally, the zoogeography of the species is briefly discussed.
Alpheid; Brazilian coast; Crustacea; Decapoda; diversity