They normally occur nearshore and their depth range extends from the intertidal to 80 ft. They are considered to be a residential species and exhibit only small movements from under rocks to foraging sites. Age and Growth Monkeyface pricklebacks have relatively slower growth rates than most fishes. They have been aged to a maximum of 18 years. Fertilized eggs are present in females and spawning activity occurs from January to May, while the peak spawning period is February to April.
Females are oviparous, meaning they lay or spawn eggs.
Females spawn their eggs on subtidal, rocky surfaces. Nest guarding behavior has been observed, but it is unclear if males, females or both sexes guard eggs. Natural Mortality Estimates of natural mortality are not available. No information is available on diseases in monkeyface pricklebacks. The diet of monkeyface pricklebacks varies from carnivorous to omnivorous to herbivorous, depending on life history stage and time of year.