Balistoidei was proposed as a taxonomic grouping by Rafinesque in 1810[1] and is recognised by the 5th edition of the Fishes of the World as a suborder of the order Tretraodontiformes.

[2] Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes also recognises the Balistoidei but includes the Aracanidae and the Ostraciidae within it.

[3] On the other hand, other authorities do not recognise any taxa between the level of family and suborder in their Tetraodontoidei.

The first spine in the dorsal fin is lockable and the upper jaw is not protractile and has rows of protruding incisor-like teeth.

[2] Balistoidei fishes are found in the warm and tropical parts of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans.