This aquatic bivalve mollusk is native to Tennessee and Virginia in the United States.

Historically widespread in the upper Tennessee River system, it populations have been reduced by habitat destruction and pollution.

It now only occurs in two tributaries: the Duck and Powell Rivers.

[7][page needed] It can reach at least 35 years of age.

Hosts for this species include the streamline chub (Erimystax dissimilis) and blotched chub (Erimystax insignis).