ABSTRACT. Natatolana Bruce, 1981 is one of the most speciose, widespread and abundant isopod genera occurring in marine environments. Species in the genus are ecologically important as scavengers and occasionally have a negative impact on commercial fisheries by feeding on catches restrained in traps, nets or on lines. The study of Natatolana species is hampered by difficulties in identification, inadequate descriptions and a lack of overall taxonomic revision. In this study, taxonomic, biogeographical and ecological information is reviewed for all 72 species of Natatolana now recognized worldwide. A revised generic diagnosis, a key to species, and diagnoses and synonymies for all species are presented.