The lower lip is slightly notched at the midline, with lateral line scales in large numbers that range from 70 to 100.

During breeding, the males obtain a blue patch on the top of their large heads, and the lower fins become yellow/orange with red/rosy lateral lines.

An easy way to distinguish the bluehead from the other Arizona suckers is the distinct cartilaginous lower jaw.

[9] This species has a wide temperature preference, as well, ranging from cold mountain brooks at 12 °C to warmer desert rivers at 27 °C.

Primary spawning areas include the Grand Canyon tributaries within the Colorado River drainages.