What is "velvetfish"

Little velvetfishes or simply velvetfishes are a family, the Aploactinidae, of scorpaeniform fishes.

As the name implies, they are small fish that have skin with a velvet texture. They are generally flattened in shape, with small pelvic fins, and a fleshy pad under the head, which, in at least one species, forms a sucker for attaching the fish to the sea floor. Some also have venomous spines. They live on the sea bottom close to the shore, at depths of up to .