 According to one genealogy, Taphius was the son of Poseidon and Hippothoë (daughter of Mestor, son of Perseus).However, according to another (more plausible) genealogy, Taphius's father was Pterelaus, the son of Lelex, who ruled in Acarnania.Both versions agree that Taphius had a son, also called Pterelaus ('Pterelaus II') who was immortalized Poseidon by planting a golden hair in his head.