It is found only in the United States; particularly in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia,[2] and parts of extreme northwest Georgia.

[4] They are commonly found in East Tennessee in spring fed first-order streams, often in silt and fine gravel pools, or undercut banks.

The Tennessee dace has a break in the dark lateral stripe that runs down the side of the body.

The pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins are yellow, while the breast and lower head are black.

Bright silver areas occur at the anterior base of the dorsal, pectoral and pelvic fins.

[4] The Tennessee dace inhabits spring-fed, first order streams[2] that are usually less than two meters in width[4] and shaded by woody vegetation.

[3] In stream habitat includes silt and fine gravel pools and undercut banks with woody debris and other material to serve as cover.

[2] Studies conducted found that root masses and other woody vegetation is critical for the survival of the Tennessee dace.

This is an important aid to digestion, as the cell walls of plants are difficult for the fish enzymes to break down.

[4] Additional nutrition may be obtained from both root hairs and bacteria associated with algal growth, and immature insects, which are consumed in the winter when algae supply is limited.

[7] Little research has been done on the Tennessee dace's natural predators, but both mammals and birds have been known to feed on them in shallow pools.

[2] Multiple male Tennessee dace have been observed following a single female through pool and run areas.

[2] It has been hypothesized that a chemical cue from a nest building minnow may trigger Chrosomus species to spawn.

[5] Degradation of streams is thought to increase the chance of hybridization, as this leaves a lack of clean gravel substrates needed for spawning.