Greenside darters are reproductively active from February to April in the Midwest and Southeastern United States.

Spawning occurs over algae- or moss-covered rocks in deep, swift riffles that are guarded by males who vigorously defend against intruders.

Eggs are viscous and stick together in small clumps on green algae (Cladophora), moss (Fontinalis), and riverweed (Podostemaceae).

[3] The greenside darter was first formally described in 1819 by the French naturalist Constantine Samuel Rafinesque (1783–1840) with the type locality given as the Ohio River.

[4] Unpublished studies by Richard L. Mayden and colleagues indicate E. b. newmanii from the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers may be a valid species and distinct from other members of the complex.