[2] Plectrogenium is the only genus in the monotypic subfamily Plectrogeninae which is classified within the family Scorpaenidae in the order Scorpaeniformes by some authorities.

[5] The currently recognized species in this genus are:[1] Plectrogenium is characterised by having a laterally compressed body with a number of spines and ridges on the head.

There are venom glands on the spines in the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins.

There are between 22 and 25 rays in the pectoral fins and they have 30-35 vertical rows of ctenoid scales on the body.

[7] They are small fishes with standard lengths of less than 10 cm (3.9 in)[8] Plectrogenium is found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans from Madagascar to Hawaii.