The Scorpaenidae family contains the world's most venomous fishes. Their dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines usually bear venom gland. Potential fatal wounds may be inflicted by their sharp fin and head spines. Most species live on or near the bottom and are strongly camouflaged. They are excellent ambush predators feeding mostly on crustaceans and fishes. A few species are pelagic and semipelagic occurring offshore.
There are 26 genera and about 215 species worldwide. Malaysia has about 16 species.