[2] The decorated warbonnet was given its name because of the prominent cirri on its head which resembles the feathers in an Indian Chieftain's war bonnet.

Some of the C. decoratus' most common names are:[3] The bold cirri on its head extend continuously along its dorsal fin.

They are a cold-water fish that tend to live in rocks, seaweed, algae, and crevices along the rocky ocean floor.

[4] Due to their unique appearance and rarity, they are also often featured in public aquariums for display and educational purposes.

[5] The diet of the decorated warbonnet consists mainly of small invertebrates including mollusks, polychaetes, crustaceans, hydroids, and anemones.