They seem to prefer cold brooks and creeks. Apparently they spawn in late spring as fry are seen bank to bank, quite literally, in late June. For the most part, the young seem to be less adaptive to captive life than are the adults. At temperatures below 75 F they appear to acclimate readily. Males of this species show more pink in their first dorsal fin in comparison to any other species I've kept.
Body color is mottled black and gray, but is highly variable, as are most sculpins.
Ranges in coastal streams from southern Alaska to the Ventura River in southern California. Often abundant in streams entering the ocean. Most of the sculpin requirements previously mentioned in the introductory paragraphs can be thrown out when referring to this species' needs. Prickly Sculpins are mainly found in low-elevation areas in warm water. I have found specimens to endure above 80 F for weeks at a time with no apparent ill effects.