Distribution: Atlantic, Indian and Pacific. Chiefly marine, some brackish, rarely freshwater. Dorsal fin continuous, 9-14 spines, 11-26 soft rays. Anal fin 3 spines, 6-18 soft rays. Small mouth with thick lips. Usually cardiform jaw teeth, with vomer generally toothless. Usually with enlarged chin pores. Branchiostegal rays 7. Vertebrae 26 or 27 (10 or 11 + 16). Adults are typically inactive during day when they shelter near or under ledges; they disperse to feed on benthic invertebrates at night. Distinct pairing during breeding producing pelagic eggs with no known parental care (Ref. 205). Pelagic spawners. Juveniles are popular in home aquaria, but adults require a large tank. Maximum length about 60 cm. Important food fishes. Includes the former Inermiidae (Ref. 84214).