An alternative hypothesis on the phylogenetic position of the family dactylopteridae (pisces: Teleostei), with a proposed new classification.

The phylogenetic position of the family Dactylopteridae is inferred cladistically. The family lacks a close relationship with the Scorpaeniformes, owing to the posterior extension of the infraorbital in the former not being homologous with the scorpaeniform suborbital stay. Monophyly of the Dactylopteridae and percoid family Malacanthidae is supported by 20 synapomorphies, the former having a sister relationship with the malacanthid genus Hoplolatilus supported by three synapomorphies. The former Dactylopteridae plus Malacanthidae are redefined as a percoid family. Dactylopteridae. being subdivided into the following four subfamilies: Branchiosteginae (including Branchiostegus and Lopholatilus), Malacanthinae ( Caulolatilus and Malacanthus), Hoplolatilinae subfam. nov. ( Hoplolatilus) and Dactylopterinae ( Dactylopterus and Dactyloptena). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]