Color is yellow or brown to dark red-brown and black. The posterior end has a furrow or depression. The tip of the beak twists and points toward the anterior end. Nacre is white. Compare to Fusconaia and other Pleurobema species.
Color is yellow or light brown to dark brown or black in old individuals.
The tip of the beak does not twist and it points toward the ventral margin. Nacre is white. Compare to Fusconaia and Pleurobema species. A related species in Alabama F. cerina, may have a pink nacre. The shell is rounded with the beak positioned at the extreme anterior end and directed forward.