Holthuis, 1985
Exopod of third and first maxilliped without a flagellum; the flagellum of the second maxilliped transformed into a single laminate segment. Orbits on the anterolateral angle of the carapace. Body strongly depressed. Lateral margin of the carapace with only the cervical incision. No theeth on the lateral margin of the carapace, apart from the anterolateral and postcervical. Fifth thoracic leg of female without a chela.
The subfamily is monotypic, the genus Thenus Leach, 1815, is its type and only genus.