Flying gurnards

Dactylopteridae

The flying gurnards are a family, known scientifically as Dactylopteridae, of marine fish that are recognized for their significantly enlarged pectoral fins. It should be noted that despite their common name, these fish are not capable of actual flight or gliding through the air. Consequently, some authors prefer to refer to them as helmet gurnards. Traditionally, they have been classified as the sole family within the suborder Dactylopteroidei of the Scorpaeniformes order. However, more recent molecular classifications have placed them within the order Syngnathiformes, specifically in the superfamily Centriscoidea.