Abstract

Species of the family Pilargidae are revised based on bibliographic information and on specimens collected in soft bottoms, from 16 to 68 m depth, in three localities of the northern Chilean coast. Five genera and six especies. including a new record for the Chilean fauna, Parandalia fauveli, are recognized. Synonyms, diagnostic features, geographic distribution data and illustrations are provided for each species. Abundance data and biomass, as well as granulometry and organic matter of the sediments where the specimens were collected, are also reported. Presence of Pilurgis berkeleyae and Sigambra bassi in the collected material allows extension of their distributional ranges from approximately 35-36 degreesS to 18 degrees 30'S. A taxonomic key to the six species of Pilargidae from the Chi lean coast is provided.