High cockscomb can be found in the Eastern Pacific from Pribilof Islands, Alaska to Santa Rosa Island and Trinidad Bay, southern California, USA. They are usually found in intertidal areas under rocks. High cockscomb can breathe air and this allows them remain out of water under rocks or seaweed for 15-25 hours if kept moist. Green algae is an important food item but High cockscomb may also feed on polychaete worms, crustaceans and mollusks. Source: https://www.fishbase.de/summary/Anoplarchus-purpurescens