Taxonomic status of family Dactylopteridae not clear, but provisionally included in this order by Nelson (1994). Dactylopterids with peculiar larval form. Post-temporal spine and spine at angle of pre-opercle elongate, serrate. Short supra-occipital spine in flexion larvae, disappears with development. Tips of post-temporal and pre-opercular spines elongate with growth, reaching second dorsal and anal fin bases respectively in post-flexion stage. Pre-flexion larvae moderately pigmented, post-flexion larvae heavily pigmented except posterior half of caudal peduncle (Leis and Rennis, 1983) (Dactylopterus volitans).
Table Scorpaeniformes
22 geographic zones