(Family):Head encased in bony shield. Posterior ends of posttemporal and preopercle spinous, markedly extending to backward. Pectoral fin divided in two parts, without free ray. Pelvic fin with a single spine and 4 soft rays. Side of body covered with scute-like scales. (Genus):Two free spines present just in front of 1st dorsal fin, both spines depressable on each side of dorsal fin base respectively. No lateral line. (Species):Tip of pectoral fin extending beyond basal end of anal fin. Pectoral fin length 66.8〜76.6% of SL. Interorbital space markedly concaved.
Distribution:
From Massachusetts, to Argentina. Also west coast of Africa, Mediterranean.
Remarks:
Dactylopterus is confined in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. (Uyeno and Sato)