[3] The generic name Scytalina is of a Greek origin, from the diminutive of skytale, meaning "viper".

The specific name cerdale means "wary one" or "the fox", in allusion to its agility and quick movement when disturbed.

[4] Jordan and Gilbert suggested an alternative generic name Scytaliscus due to the similarity between Scytalina and the unrelated genus Scytalinus.

[4] Graveldivers have no lateral lines, scales, pyloric caeca, or swim bladders.

[4] Graveldivers are marine fish found in the cold northern and eastern Pacific Ocean, from the Bering Sea on the Alaskan coast to Diablo Cave in central California.