[7] The monkeyface prickleback has a distribution range from southern Oregon to the northern reaches of the Mexican state of Baja California, this species is a coastal fish that inhabits rocky, intertidal areas close to shore.

[9] However, smaller individuals are commonly found closer to the higher intertidal zones due to reduced predation and competition, where they utilize rocks for protection during low tide.

This species appears to occupy a small home range of several meters and is mostly active during periods of a higher tide when it forages.

[9] While young monkeyface prickleback feed on zooplankton and crustaceans, adults are primarily herbivorous, consuming red and green algae.

The species also supports a small commercial fishery, and it is common to find Monkeyface Prickleback as a menu item in Northern California and Oregon restaurants.

[6] Monkeyface prickleback have long been sought after for their edible white flesh, with remains found in the middens of Native American peoples along the California coast.

While its current threat status is unknown, its slow growth and long generation time may pose conservation concerns.