They are found in tropical parts of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, with the greatest species richness near reefs in the Indo-Pacific.

During the day, they typically remain hidden in crevices, caves, or under ledges.

[2][4] The preopercle spines (near the gill opening) of the members of the subfamily Holocentrinae are venomous, and can give painful wounds.

[6] The larvae are pelagic, unlike the adults, and can be found far out to sea.

[3] Definitive holocentroid fishes first appear in the earliest part of the Cenozoic and boast a modest fossil record.