[4] It is a marine fish which dwells in temperate waters, and is known from the northern Pacific Ocean, including California, USA, and possibly Korea.

It dwells at a depth range of 8–102 metres, usually around rocks.

Males can reach a maximum total length of 15 centimetres.

[3] The smooth alligatorfish is preyed upon by the Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis).

[5] It is often caught by shrimp trawlers.