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Family Dactylopteridae

Helmet Gurnards

Small family of bottom dwellers that feed upon buried invertebrates at night.  Their broad showy pectoral fins are extended to appear too large to be eaten.

 

HAWAII

Dactyloptena orientalis

HELMET GURNARD

 

Family Agonidae

Poachers

Armored benthic fishes of temperate & cold water.  They feed upon invertebrates and most species prefer deep water.

NORTHEAST PACIFIC

Agonopsis sterletus

SOUTHERN SPEARNOSE POACHER