- Banded sculpin inhabit small to medium sized creeks with fast-flowing water.
- The species has an outsized mouth and can eat prey (including other sculpin) that is almost as big as itself.
- Banded sculpin are well camouflaged and can adjust their coloration to match their surroundings.
- Banded sculpin have been impacted by mining and agriculture in the Cumberland River Basin. Because they are especially sensitive to heavy metals, their presence or absence in streams can indicate stream health in areas impacted by mining.