Scorpionfishes

Marine. Rare in fresh water. Distribution: all tropical and temperate seas. Scales, when present, usually ctenoid. Usually 1 dorsal fin, often notched. Some lack swim bladder. Dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines can bear venom gland. Fertilization mostly internal; some viviparous. Eggs being laid on a gelatinous balloon in some species. The family contains the world's most venomous fishes, many of them brightly colored.