A georeferenced dataset of freshwater Malacostraca occurrences across Chile

We present a georeferenced dataset of freshwater Malacostraca occurrences across continental Chile, compiled from published literature, technical reports and field studies. The dataset includes 625 occurrence records from 38 species across five families, covering a wide latitudinal gradient (~ 18°S to ~ 56°S). Freshwater Malacostraca play key ecological roles in aquatic ecosystems, yet their distribution in Chile remains fragmented across diverse sources. This dataset consolidates occurrence records from published literature, technical reports and field observations. Records were taxonomically validated using authoritative databases, georeferenced when necessary and standardised according to Darwin Core using the WGS84 coordinate reference system. The dataset is publicly available through an open-access repository and provides a baseline for biodiversity, biogeographic and ecological research in Chilean inland waters. This dataset represents one of the first consolidated compilations of freshwater epigean Malacostraca occurrences across Chile. It provides a baseline for biodiversity and biogeographic studies across a strong latitudinal gradient. The dataset is useful for ecological modelling, conservation planning and species distribution analyses. It enables integration with broader biodiversity databases and supports reproducible research.