Pilsbry, 1893
The animals in the various genera of this family are superficially quite different, but related by various valve and girdle characteristics. The girdle encroaches over the valves either partially or completely. The tegmentum of the valves is much reduced relative to the articulamentum which produces very prominent sutural laminae. The intermediate valves and tail valve have a well-defined jugal area flanked by uniformly sculptured latero-pleural areas, the tail valve has a prominent mucro with a relatively large posterior area. The notch numbers in the insertion plates of the various valves are variable. The girdle is relatively broad and may be either smooth or spiny, there are in addition often bundles or tufts of bristles distributed around the girdle.
Source: Jones and Baxter, 1987.
The following subtaxa of this family occur in the region:
Genus Acanthochitona
Acanthochitona crinita
Acanthochitona fascicularis