They have two distinct dorsal fins with the first shorter than the second and bearing spines. More notable with the robin fish are the two distinct pectoral fins in which the lowest two or three rays are free of the fin skin. The pectoral fins can be moved independently of each other and have very long rays on the upper part that are almost in a wing like shape and appear to shine with a vast array of colors. Some species of the robin fish are known to be very good swimmers even though they give the appearance of moving in a quite walking motion. This species has been observed migrating great distances during the spawning season.
Food is detected by the free rays which also serve as sensory organs.
Some species of this sub family of the sea robin are even considered one of the flying fish species since they use their tail musculature to make large leaps over the waters surface. In European areas this species can be found mostly on sandy bottoms although the a sometimes found on muddy, rock or other such surfaces. Sea robin fish feed on mussels, crustaceans and other shelled animals going to great depths to find the prey. The meat of this this fish is edible even though it tends to be somewhat dry and hard. In the European part of the Atlantic the most prevalent species is the grey gurnard or Chelidonicthys gurnardus and the largest sea robin fish in this area is the sapphirine gurnard.