This work presents a study of the taxonomy of the penaeidean
shrimps of the world. This group of shrimps includes many of the commercially
important marine species of the tropics and subtropics as well as many of the
species that constitute a major link in the food chain of the oceans. The work
presents keys for the identification of seven families (the Aristeidae, Benthesicymidae,
Penaeidae, Sicyoniidae, Solenoceridae, Luciferidae, and Sergestidae) and 56
genera, as well as diagnoses that attempt to define these taxa with scientific
clarity. Also included are lists of the species and subspecies currently included
in these genera, along with their geographic distribution and a full bibliography.