Grunt sculpins are characterized by:
- large heads with blunt snouts
- rows of strong teeth
- the absence of scales
- bony armour on the head
- three dorsal fins
- pelvic fins with four rays
- lateral lines that run along the midline of the body
One of the most interesting features of grunt sculpins is their ability to produce low-frequency grunting sounds which are thought to be used for communication and defence.
Grunt sculpins are carnivores and feed on a variety of small fish and invertebrates, including crustaceans and worms. They are generally small fish, with most species reaching a maximum length of about 15 cm (5.9 in).
Grunt sculpins are of no commercial importance and are generally considered to be a bycatch of other fisheries.