This is the most common fish in Buther's Slough. It prefers shallow brackish water, butmay also be found in open areas on HUmboldt Bay. Only growing to a size of 10 centimeters, these fish use spines on their backs and fins to protect themselves from predators. If a larger fish or bird attempt to eat a stickleback, it will erect its spines, preventing the predator from swallowing this spiky meal. They spawn in eelgrass beds, laying their eggs on the eelgrass blades.
Herring are an important food soruce for waterfowl, salmon, sea lions and sharks.
Pacific herring are also fished commercially in Humboldt Bay. This ray is common in Humboldt Bay. They hunt for crabs, shrimp and shellfish over the mudflats at high tide. They also search for food in the Bay's sloughs and estuaries. Commercial oyster beds operating in Humboldt Bay are often fenced off to prevent predation by Bat rays.