Dana, 1851
Carapace transversely elliptical, pentagonal or octogonal in outline, more or less expanded to form a vault below which pereiopods may be concealed. A characteristic coaptation between the carapace and the pereiopods, and between the legs together. Lateral margins often cristate. Buccal cavern varying from quadrate to elongate and triangular, sometimes tending to an oxystome disposition. Third maxillipeds varying from wide to strongly narrowed anteriorly and with the merus very pointed at the extremity. Endostomial ridges generally well marked, dividing the endostome into two parts, either with both afferent and efferent channels clearly defined, or with only one channel apparent. Chelipeds equal or subequal. (Guinot 1998)
Type genus: Aethra Latreille, 1816.
Genera treated:
genus Actaeomorpha Miers, 1878
genus Aethra Latreille, 1816
genus Cryptopodia H. Milne Edwards, 1834
genus Heterocrypta Stimpson, 1871
genus Osachila Stimpson, 1871
genus Sakaila Manning & Holthuis, 1981