Scorpaenidae is a family of fishes of the order Scorpaeniformes. Marine, benthic, deep-water and coastal fishes inhabiting waters of tropical, subtropical and temperate seas of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans. More than 37 genera, about 300 species. The greatest commercial importance are Sebastes, gregarious benthic viviparous fish up to 90 cm long and weighing 9 kg. They live at depths of 100-300 m and more, consume planktonic crustaceans and fish (herring, capelin, juvenile cod fish). Sebastes marinus and Sebastes mentella are of greatest commercial importance. They inhabit the waters of the North Atlantic and the Barents Sea. In the Black Sea, Scorpaena porcu is widespread along the entire coast.

Most representatives live in the coastal zone near reefs and rocks, but there are also deep-water species. Coastal species usually have variegated coloration. They are benthic, less often benthic-pelagic fish. All of them do not swim well, preferring to stay close to the bottom. They are predatory fish, waiting for prey in ambush.

The dorsal fin is usually divided by a notch into two lobes. In the front 7-17 rigid barbed rays, in the back one, the rest of the rays are soft. 2-3 anterior rays of the anal fin and the outer ray of the pelvic fins are powerful poisonous spines. In addition, spines are present on the head. Ccograeniidae are among the most poisonous fish in the ocean, and many of them are deadly to humans.

Scorpaenidae inhabit subtropical and tropical seas, but some of them prefer temperate seas. Among coastal species, many fish are purely crepuscular, which become active only at sunset, and during the day are usually sedentary and camouflaged with the help of patronizing coloration: as with most coastal fish, it is usually variegated, especially bright in the tropics.