Abstract
Chthamalus proteus sp. nov. is described as a distinct species based on its clear separation by starch-gel electrophoresis of enzymes. A redescription is given of C. fragilis, a related species, which differs absolutely from C. proteus in 3 out of 16 enzymes. Given the distinction of C. proteus from C. fragilis by enzyme methods, it has been possible to devise morphological criteria, involving simple measurement of the opercular valves and first maxilla, which can separate the two species in 99% of individuals. Although the morphological characters overlap slightly, the enzyme results show no evidence of hybridization. A species previously confused with C. proteus, C. bisinuatus from Brazil, differs considerably in morphology and is briefly redescribed.