There is a historical connection of the Tennessee River with the Mobile Basin,[5][6] suggesting a closer sister relationship between Hypentelium nigricans and H.

[3] This species lives in clear water on rocky and gravelly substrates in riffles, creeks, and streams.

[1] It feeds on bottomdwelling life by rummaging through rocks with its bony head, long snout, and sucker mouth.

A diet analysis showed that 90.6% of the contents in their stomachs were Diptera, with Chironomidae larvae making up 88.8% of all food items.

It grows in size and weight most rapidly in spring due to increased feeding spurred by the impending spawning season.