Females are lighter colored than males.
The species grows to a maximum length of 3 inches. Boulder darters are presently known from a few localities within a 60-mile stretch of the Elk River including the lower reaches of Richland and Indian Creeks. Although little data exists to document the historic range or past population of this species, suitable habitat existed in the Tennessee River and in the lower portions of its southern bend tributaries. The boulder darter inhabits warm-water rivers and large creeks. Adult specimens have been found in association with limestone rubble or natural accumulations of limestone slabs.