Body form of this minnow is slender with a blunt snout. Two characters set this species apart from other minnows. All fins, except the caudal, are extremely sickle-shaped, and the long pectoral fin extends behind the insertion of the pelvic fin. The eye is very small in relation to head size. Its sub-terminal mouth is small and horizontal, with a small barbel at the corner of the jaw.
Body color is plain silvery in young and adults.
The complete lateral line contains from 43 to 48 scales. The pharyngeal teeth are arranged in a 4-4 formula. Sicklefin chub prefer strong current over sand bottom, and they are adapted to turbid water conditions. They forage by sorting debris, utilizing the well developed taste buds in the mouth. Spawning occurs in the spring.