Scorpaeniformes

views updated

Scorpaeniformes (class Osteichthyes, subclass Actinopterygii) An order of bony fish that have a bony ridge or stay across the cheeks, rounded pectoral fins, and spiny projections on the gill cover. Most species are bottom-dwellers, with intricate colour patterns used to conceal the fish. The order includes 21 families, including Cottidae (sculpins), Scorpaenidae (scorpionfish), and Triglidae (gurnards).