A phylogenetic analysis of the species of the family Tubulariidae was performed. The results led to the proposition of two subfamilies. Ectopleurinae subfam. n. is divided in two clades: E. ralphi++ group (re-allocated in the new genus Pinauay), supported by the presence of sexually dimorphic blastostyles and medusa buds, and oral tentacles of the hydranth adnate to hypostome, and E. americana+ group (which retain the generic name Ectopleura), supported by the presence of a free medusa. The sister group of the subfamily Ectopleurinae is the subfamily Tubulariinae, formed by (Zyzzyzus (Bouillonia (Ralpharia (Tubularia, Hybocodon).