Anoplarchus purpurescens, commonly known as the high cockscomb, is a species of fish in the family Stichaeidae.

A single subspecies, Anoplarchus purpurescens archolepis was proposed by Hubbs in 1927, but was rejected.

Individuals are often 6 to 9 cm in length but in 2022, an exceptional specimen was captured and released by a young boy at Ford’s Cove on Hornby Island, British Columbia that was filmed and officially measured at 26 cm in length, establishing a new maximum recorded size.

During breeding season males develop bright orange and reddish coloration on the fins.

The high cockscomb eats green algae, polychaete worms, crustaceans and mollusks.