Diagnosis
The carapace is oval and usually highly ornamented. Males tend to be more elongate then females. Caudal processes occur in some species, and the rostrum is small, rounded at the end and the incisure is small. The family is distinguished from others by the mandible carrying two stout claw setae that are developed into pincers in females, and in males these setae are elongate, longer than the exopodite of the mandible. The seventh limbhas 4 to 10 setae, and has opposing combs on its tip. The caudal furca carries a number of stout claws, which then give way to much smaller claws. Lateral eyes are present and the naupliar eye is large and well pigmented.
Remarks
The family currently includes four genera. No representatives of this family have been reported from the region.