[2] On the American side, it is found as far north as Massachusetts (exceptionally as far as Canada) and as far south as Argentina, including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

[3] On the European and African side, it ranges from the English Channel to Angola, including the Mediterranean.

Similar and related species from the genus Dactyloptena are found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

This fish is variable in coloration, being brownish or greenish with reddish or yellowish patches.

[4] When excited, the fish spreads its "wings", which are semitransparent, with a phosphorescent, bright-blue coloration at their tips.