Quoy and Gaimard, 1827
Usually two, occasionally only one, dissimilar streamlined nectophores. One, the anterior, usually is pointed apically and is positioned directly above the other, the posterior, which usually is apically truncated. The nectosac occupies the bulk of both nectophores. The hydroecium of the anterior one usually, but not always, is small or virtually absent. Bracts generally helmet shaped with a variably shaped phyllocyst. Except for one or species, no bracteal canals are present. It is difficult to give an all embracing diagnosis for the ca. 50 species in this family as there is so much specific variability. The family is divided into 3 subfamilies. The third subfamily has been erected recently (Pugh and Pagès, 1995) to encompass a single species, Gilia reticulata.
Subfamily Sulculeolariinae
Subfamily Diphyinae
Subfamily Giliinae