The shell is relatively thick, moderately inflated, and subovate. The outer surface is chestnut-brown to black with a silky luster. It is distinguished from other similar appearing species by distinctive details of its shell. However, closely related species develop eggs each fall and then release larvae during the spring. The larvae attach to the fins, gills, or scales of fish until they mature.
Adults feed by filtering out small particles from the water.
To a lesser extent, these mussels are present in stream-side channels and backwaters as well. They appear to prefer areas with cobble-gravel bottoms, although they are also found in sandy areas. The historical distribution of the Ouachita rock-pocketbook included the Kiamichi River in southeastern Oklahoma, the Little River in southwestern Arkansas, and the Ouachita River in central Arkansas. The range of the Ouachita rock-pocketbook has been reduced due to the construction of dams and a decrease in water quality. Gravel dredging operations also pose a threat to the species.