(Family): Urogenital opening immediately behind anus. Usually two dorsal fins. Caudal fin absent. Scales usually armed with spinules. (Genus): Spinous ray of 1st dorsal fin smooth. Anus usually situated in front of anal fin. Head ridges of modified scales developed. Pelvic fin rays 7. (Species): Snout long, sharply pointed; a strong, arrow-head shaped spine present on its tip. Underside of head completely naked. Head ridges very strong; suborbital ridge with a gap below middle orbit, portion anterior to gap with a single scale row and posterior portion in two rows. Spinules on body scales arranged in subparallel rows with distinct enlarged median keel.
Distribution:
North Atlantic.
Remarks:
In C. acanthiger (South Atlantic species), underside of snout is covered with scales. (Arai)