Distribution of the Ozark minnow is confined to a region of the state that lies north and east of the Cedar River drainage, where this species is rare to occasional in fish collections. This cyprinid is decreasing as suitable habitat is being destroyed throughout its continental range. Body color in Ozark minnows is dusky above with dull, silvery sides and silvery-white belly. A dark lateral band starts on the tip of the snout and ends in a faint spot at the end of the caudal peduncle. The terminal mouth is slightly oblique and has no barbel.
Prominent eyes appear large in proportion to the head.
The complete lateral line contains from 36 to 38 scales. Dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins contain 8 rays, while the pectoral fins vary from 13 to 15 rays. Short, hooked pharyngeal teeth are arranged in a 4-4 formula. The long intestine is coiled, unlike most species, and the peritoneum is black. Ozark minnows inhabit small, lime-rock creeks in Iowa.