[2] Moxostoma poecilurum is a demersal, temperate, freshwater fish, most commonly found in sandy and rocky pools, runs, and riffles of small to medium-sized streams and rivers.

[5] They generally occur in swift to standing water over sand, silt, rock, or gravel substrates and around aquatic vegetation.

[5] It is a benthic feeder and has a relatively diverse diet ranging from detritus, diatoms, and a wide variety of small invertebrates including microcrustacea, rotifers and the larvae of many insects.

[7] Blacktail Redhorse spawn in rocky shoal areas of small streams from late April through early May, when water temperatures approach 20 degrees Celsius.

[9] Currently, Moxostoma poecilurum is listed as threatened in Kentucky due aquatic habitat degradation, siltation, and increased turbidity.

Agriculture, road construction, urbanization, and quarrying increase siltation and turbidity, as well as create migration barriers, inhibiting reproduction and health of the species.