[2] Currently, there are very few photos of the lesser prickleback, which makes it challenging to find an accurate and reliable description of the species itself.

Sister species of the lesser prickleback, which are included in the subfamily Xiphisterinae, are similar in body plan and function to eels.

[5] This subfamily is characterized as being ray-finned;[5] true to form, the dorsal fin of the lesser prickleback contains spiny rays.

Between 1997 and 2002, pricklebacks (as a group) made up a very small percentage of forage fish catch and biomass estimates across the Gulf of Alaska, with a peak in population in 2001.

[9] Sources that have confirmed sightings of specimens range from Russia[9] to the Commander and Aleutian Islands,[1] as well as Alaska and the general Bering Sea.

[3] In 2017-2018, the lesser prickleback was found in the western Bering Sea near Cape Olyutorsky — much farther north than its usual range.

[5] As a result of its niche in the water column, the lesser prickleback tends to feed upon both benthic and swimming organisms.

[2] Another unique feature are the scales on its body, which don't extend past the thirteenth ray of the anal fin.

They are commonly mistaken for eels, as their body plan and fins fully fledge later in their life cycle.