The genus Artedius is named after Peter Artedi, a naturalist, and A. harringtoni is named after Mark W. Harrington, president of the University of Washington from 1895 to 1897.

[4] A. harringtoni is sexually dimorphic, with adult males reaching a maximum length of 10 centimeters.

[4][2] Artedius harringtoni is native to the eastern Pacific along the West Coast of the United States and the British Columbia Coast, with a range extending from Kodiak Island, Alaska, to San Miguel Island, California.

[2] The species is found in intertidal and sub-tidal rocky bottoms, commonly around pilings,[7] to a depth of 21 meters.

[8] The species reproduces through internal fertilization,[9] with the males guarding the eggs until hatching.