The distribution of brook silverside populations range from the Great Lakes southward through the Mississippi Basin and Gulf Coastal Plains (including 27 U.S. states and parts of Canada).

It is native to the majority of this distribution, but has also been stocked outside of its natural range as forage food for sport fishes.

[3] The brook silverside occupies freshwater lakes, ponds, quiet pools and small rivers.

Consistently, however, the brook silverside prefers clear water with low substrate concentrations.

[5] In Tennessee, brook silverside populations were shown to have decreased shortly after the construction of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

They are highly specialized feeders with cladocerans comprising 80% of their diet, (40%) small flying insects, and (20%) midge larvae.

[2] Because of both intentional and unintentional species introduction, the brook silverside must compete for food sources.

Specifically, the brook silverside has been forced to compete with the non-native Menidia audens,[6] which was introduced by waterway construction.

Human intervention through species introduction, habitat alteration, pollution, and construction are causing the decline of the brook silverside and other freshwater fishes.