[2] Molecular studies have also placed the superfamily within the order Centrarchiformes, although the Cirrhitoidea is confirmed as a monophyletic clade.

The family has three genera according to the 5th Edition of Fishes of the World, however the authors of that book admit that further studies need to be carried out to resolve the true relationships of all the taxa within the Cirrhitoidea.

[4][5] Based on this, the only species that should remain in the family Cheilodactylidae are the relatively small Cheilodactylus fasciatus and C. pixi from southern Africa.

[4] The traditional classification places the following three genera in the family Latridae:[2][7] The revised classification sensu Ludt, Burridge and Chakrabarty 2019 is:[7][8] * means at least one member, the red moki (C. spectabilis) was traditionally classified in Chelidactylus sensu lato ** means traditionally classified in Chelidactylus sensu lato Latridae Fishes have somewhat elongate bodies, small mouths and sharp teeth.

[10] The lowest pectoral fin rays of the Latridae species in the traditional classification are not thickened or extended.