Fourth largest group in Teleostei, including 25 families, 1271 species. Larvae of suborder Scorpaenoidei normally with well developed, fan-like, pectoral fins, and elaborate head spination characterized by crest-like parietal ridge, supra-occipital crest, and pre-opercular spines.
Families treated:
Family Agonidae (poachers)
Family Congiopodidae (horsefishes)
Family Dactylopteridae (helmet gurnards)
Family Scorpaenidae (scorpionfishes and allies)
Family Triglidae (searobins)
Table Scorpaeniformes
22 geographic zones