The shell is rounded with the beak positioned at the extreme anterior end and directed forward. The anterior ventral and posterior margins are nearly round. Nacre is white. Compare to other Fusconaia, Pleurobema, and Obovaria species. The shell is heavy, thick, elongate and smooth.
Color is usually reddish brown with occasional light yellow-brown areas to black in old individuals.
The anterior end is rounded, and the posterior is triangular pointed or only moderately rounded. Nacre is purple. Compare to Fusconaia and Pleurobema. The shell is thick and triangular. Males are compressed.