In Idaho, this species is found in the Kootenai and Pend Oreille drainages, and in the Little Salmon River. Generally this species is found in riffle areas among rocks of cold, clear streams, but it can be found along gravel beaches of lakes. This species spawns in the spring.
Females lay eggs under rocks and are guarded by males, as in other sculpins.
They feed on a variety of aquatic invertebrates. They may attain lengths of 4 inches or slightly more, but most adults are 2 to 3 inches in length. This species is small and is eaten by trouts, northern pike, and burbot.