The Tippecanoe darter is distributed through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, most commonly in medium to large streams and rivers.

Since 2014, very small populations of Tippecanoe Darters have also been found in the Vermillion River (Wabash Basin) in Illinois.

Previous specimen capture attempts have shown their preference for American water willow (Justicia americana).

During times of low food availability (winter months), E. tippecanoe may become more specialized due to interspecific competition in the area.

Localized human pollution that affects insect availability can have a direct effect on the Tippecanoe darter.

[4] As less food becomes available, E. tippecanoe will quickly be lost because of its inability to alter prey size selection.

Spawning activity takes place in spring to early summer when the temperature reaches and exceeds an average of 25 °C.

A dominant male will establish a territory around large flat stones and attract multiple females to his nesting site.

[2] Egg burying by E. tippecanoe is thought to be preadaptive for the evolution of egg-clumping found in closely related species.

[citation needed] Currently, the Tippecanoe darter is listed as vulnerable in Kentucky and imperiled in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

In parts of the species native range where it is considered threatened, streamside management is an important tool.

Improper forestry practices, mining, and road construction are all threats to the reproductive health of the species.

Another bill regulating nonpoint source pollution is pending a vote in Congress and could also help the Tippecanoe darter.