Diagnosis emended: shell subcompressed, reniform; valves subequal, thin and densely hairy. Both the anterior and posterior margins are broadly rounded and slightly pointed posteroventrally in females. The surface of the valves is smooth. The prehensile palps of the T 1 are slightly unequal and with a conspicuous thumb-like process. Dorsal edges of both caudal rami finely spinulose. The copulatory appendages of the male are of moderate size and slightly unequal. Left palp elongate and subtriangular, right palp short and subquadrate. The ejaculatory tubes are large, with 31-35 whorls of radiating spikes. The spermatic vessels are confined to the posterior part of the valves.
Type species: Cypris barbata Forbes, 1893