The banded gunnel reaches about 12 inches (30  cm) long and has an elongated body, somewhat like an eel.

It has thin, dark red bands reaching across its belly and white blotches with black spots on its back and dorsal fin.

An olive-green and black stripe extends down from the top of the head down through the eyes and down the cheeks.

[2] The banded gunnel feeds on small crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.

[2] The banded gunnel is fed upon by sculpins, cods, and occasionally sea birds.