Rafinesque, 1815
Called swimming crabs. Carapace usually broader than long, and broadest between last pair of antero-lateral teeth, transversely hexagonal to transversely ovate. Regions of the carapace not well defined. Antero-lateral teeth varying from 5 to 9. Antennules and antennae short. Orbits broad. Eyes conspicuous. Buccal frame quadrate. Carpus of third maxillipeds articulated at inner dorsal margin of merus. Dactylus of P5 suboval or lanceolate, rarely styliform, and always dorso-ventrally flattened. P5 generally modified for swimming, with at least propodus and dactylus paddle-like. Male abdomen with segments 3-5 fused to varying degrees. Male openings coxal. Female openings sternal (vulvae). (Guinot 1998)
Subfamilies treated:
subfamily Caphyrinae Paulson, 1875
subfamily Carupinae Paulson, 1875
subfamily Macropipinae Stephenson & Campbell, 1960
subfamily Podophthalminae Borradaile, 1907
subfamily Portuninae Rafinesque, 1815
subfamily Thalamitinae Paulson, 1875