[4] A very rare species, it has only been found in localized populations in six small streams on the Walden Ridge portion of the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee.

[6] It is commonly considered a nest associate and uses its large mouth and short intestinal tract to support an animal-based diet.

Displaying sexual dimorphism, an average adult C. saylori measures approximately 45 mm at the age of reproduction.

[6] Similar to other Chrosomus species, two dark parallel lines run the length of the body, and a red coloration appears during the breeding season.

[2][3] This fish is threatened by increased sedimentation in its habitat, which occurs because surrounding hillsides have been logged, leading to erosion.

They are generally found in cool, slow moving water, or pools containing small rocks, boulders, and rubble.

Similar to other fish species with animal-based diets, they have large mouths, short intestines, a reduced number of pharyngeal teeth, and a primitively shaped basiocciptial bone.

[9] Their intestines are loosely coiled in an S-configuration, and have a winged basioccipital pharyngeal pad, as opposed to rounded.

When the sediments sink and settle into these rocky areas, they can easily smother the eggs and ruin an entire breeding season.

In addition, nearby mining practices are known to have bad stream side management zones and problems with roadside construction.

Two current projects are of greatest concern for this species including the installation of a water line crossing through a populated creek, and building an impoundment on a tributary to an occupied stream.

Because the danger to this species is not yet dire, as they are still quite abundant in these areas, this organization is not currently taking action with C. saylori.

One fish did not survive relocation, and the 104 remaining dace are planned to be repatriated once normal stream flows resume.