[4] The Virgin Spinedace is omnivorous, with a diet of primarily aquatic insects,[5] of note the larvae of Euparyphus and Hydropsyche.

[6] The Virgin spinedace habitat is clear water about 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) deep, preferably close to cover, such as overhanging shrubs or banks, near vegetation, and over sand or gravel.

[2] They prefer clear, cool, relatively swift streams with scattered pools,[4] and often will use shear zones between low and high current velocities.

Local, State, and Federal partners have reversed the decline in Virgin Spinedace abundance and distribution through implementation of the VSCAS.

The VSCAS has been an extremely effective, flexible, and powerful management tool for implementation of conservation actions to benefit Virgin Spinedace.

Conservation efforts have increased current (2020) Virgin Spinedace distribution by 71.7 kilometres (44.6 mi) above baseline 1995 occupied habitat (at the conception of the VSCAS).

This expansion has occurred despite periods of extreme drought, wildfires, and flooding that have negatively impacted Virgin Spinedace during the 25 years the VSCAS has been in place.

The major factors affecting Virgin spinedace are water development, habitat degradation, and invasive species competition.