Using the analysis of variability of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA genes, it was established that the Krusensterniella genus is included in the Gymnelinae subfamily and, along with the Gymnelopsis genus, generates a group of taxa of species devoid of ventral fins. Considerable genetic differences between the Krusensterniella genus and the group of genera of Gymnelinae fish with ventral fins ( Hadropareia, Magadanichthys, Bilabria , and Davidijordania ) were demonstrated. Differences between the Krusensterniella species correspond to the level interspecific differentiation in closely related Lycodinae subfamily.