No live individuals have been observed since the early 20th century.

The IUCN declared the arc-form pearly mussel to be extinct, publishing its new status on the 2000 Red List following an assessment in the same year.

Its natural habitat was rocky shoals of medium to large size rivers.

Like most other members of its genus, it became extinct due to habitat loss from pollution, impoundment construction, and canalization.

The Holston River, Tennessee contained the last known population, which was killed by the construction of Cherokee Dam in 1941.