Mottled sculpin are found in gravel bottoms and sandy riffles of small headwaters, streams, and small rivers or in rocky shoreline areas of lakes, including the Great Lakes. The type of bottom may be less important than the presence of cover, which can be gravel, stones, or submerged vegetation. They can be found at up to 16 meters depth. Mottled sculpin seem to prefer depths of 0.1 to 0.5 meters and cold, clear water.

Range depth: 16 (high) m.

Average depth: 0.1 to 0.5 m.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; freshwater

Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds; rivers and streams