The Microdesmidae, the wormfishes and dartfishes, were a family of goby-like fishes in the order Gobiiformes, more recent workers have placed this taxon within the Gobiidae, although the researchers do not define the taxonomic status of this grouping within that family.
The classification of Microdesmidae as a distinct family of goby-like fishes has been reevaluated, with recent research suggesting that it may be more closely related to wormfishes and dartfishes. This new understanding places Microdesmidae within the order Gobiiformes, but its exact position within the Gobiidae family remains uncertain.