Vassilenko, 1968
Body cylindrical. The head is partially or completely fused with the first pereion segment. The first antenna is longer than the second antenna; the mouthparts are well developed. The pereion has seven segments, without pleurae and sternal gills.
First gnathopod smaller than the second gnathopod; second gnathopod is subchelate or parachelate. Pereiopod 3 small or greatly reduced; pereiopod 4 well developed or small or reduced. Pereiopod 5 well developed or reduced; pereiopods 6-7 well developed. Pereiopod 7 longer than pereiopods 5-6.
Larval development epimorphic, without postlarval stage.
Ecology
Phtisicidae are benthic and live clinged to other organisms, such as filamentous algae, bryozoans, hydroids; they may occur in the plankton when taken up by (tidal) currents.
Distribution in the North Sea
One species is known from the area: Phtisica marina Slabber, 1769 Phtisica marina