Chauvinelia contains two abyssal species, C. biscayensis, and C. arctica. Because of the lack of some relevant details in the original descriptions, they are redescribed, the generic diagnosis is emended, and a key to separate them is included. Flabelliseta incrusta and Helmetophorus rankini, the type and only species for these genera are redescribed; they lack annulated or multi-articulated capillaries, their chaetae have a detachable cortex carrying successive rows of tiny spines, and they share several features with Chauvinelia. Therefore Flabelliseta, and Helmetophorus, currently regarded as members of Flabelligeridae de Saint-Joseph, 1894, are transferred to the Acrocirridae Banse, 1969. Consequently the family diagnosis is emended to include simple capillary neurochaetae, and a key for all acrocirrid genera is also included.