[2] The bloodfin darter occupies small to medium streams on the Cumberland Plateau in and around the Big South Fork.

The range of the species is small and patchy and the effects of human expansion are not fully known at this time.

[3] The bloodfin darter prefers high to moderate gradient streams that are in the higher elevations of the Cumberland Plateau.

The bloodfin darter reaches a maximum length of 9.0 centimeters (3.5 in)[2] and the species breeds in rocky shoals.

The bloodfin darter lays eggs in or under rocks that are near fast moving water or riffles of small to medium rivers and streams.