Quebec and Ontario through the eastern US to Georgia and Alabama, and throughout the northern Rockies in the west. Not found in the central plains. Bottom-dwellers, seldom swimming more than a few inches above the bottom. Most commonly found resting beneath flat rocks. Carnivorous, preying primarily on insect larvae, crustaceans, and fishes.
Small sculpins prefer mayfly nymphs and small worms.
Larger individuals tend to eat caddisflies, crayfish, larger worms, etc. Smaller sculpins are quite commonly eaten by larger individuals in this highly cannibalistic species. Eggs are also cannibalized during the breeding season. Sometimes used for bait by anglers in search of large Brown Trout. Males occupy cavities beneath rocks on the streambed, vigorously defending their burrows from any intruders.