These keels can be seen without aid of a microscope on larger specimens. They are believed to help the chub maintain position in fast currents. Sturgeon chub have dense concentrations of tiny external taste buds on the lower head, body and fins. They have small eyes and a long fleshy snout which overhangs the mouth. They reach a maximum length of 4 inches.
Sturgeon chub are quite similar in appearance to longnose dace.
Examining the specimen for keels is the best differentiating characteristic. Inundation by reservoirs likely directly eliminated some sturgeon chub habitat, while also preventing migration and repopulation of some tributary streams. Siltation, flow reduction, turbidity reduction, and increased predation and competition may have all contributed to population reduction and elimination in some areas. The Powder River in Wyoming and Montana currently supports the largest known reproducing population of sturgeon chub. Reproduction has occurred each year from 1988-1990 despite drought conditions.