Key to the genera in the family Ateleopodidae

1a. Pelvic fin with three free rays followed by normal rays............................................... Guentherus

1b. Pelvic fin with one elongated ray and several rudimentary rays................................................. 2

2a. Small mouth, posterior end of gape situated at vertical near anterior nostril; gill membranes united ventrally and attached to isthmus by soft tissue........................................................................ Parateleopus

2b. Mouth large, posterior end of gape extending to vertical through anterior margin of eye; gill membranes separate and free from isthmus............................................................................................. 3

3a. Pelvic fin (one elongated ray) soft, long, extending to a point anywhere between base of pectoral and proximity of anus................................................................................................ .. Ateleopus

3b. Pelvic fin (one elongated ray) stiff, short, scarcely reaching origin of pectoral fin or edge of opercle, except in juveniles which sometimes have a longer ray extending beyond pectoral-fin base........................................... Ijimaia