Distribution of this species in Iowa is confined to the Cedar and Mississippi rivers, where it is very rare in collections and listed as threatened. The continental range of this cyprinid extends along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida and up the Mississippi River to the Great Lakes.

The weed shiner has a terete body form that is slightly compressed. Body color is olive green to straw on the back with silvery sides and white beneath. A dark lateral band is sharply outlined above with a light streak but diffused below. It starts on the chin and snout, continues along the body to the caudal fin, where a distinct dark spot can be seen within the rays. A terminal mouth is slightly oblique and no barbel is present. Pigmentation on the inside of the mouth is absent, except for a few melanophores on the oral valve. Hooked pharyngeal teeth are arranged in a formula of 2, 4-4, 2, but variations may be encountered. The breast is naked below the pectoral fins. The slightly de-curved lateral line has from 34 to 37 scales, and may be interrupted with fewer than 10 unpored scales. Dorsal and pelvic fins contain 8 rays, while the pectoral fin contains from 12 to 14 rays, and the anal fin contains 7 rays.

The weed shiner is found only in riverine habitat where there is a sand bottom and sluggish or no current. Surprisingly, it is not necessarily associated with weedy areas. Adults reach up to 2 1/2 inches in length and are usually found in schools.

*Mayhew, J. (editor). 1987. Iowa Fish and Fishing. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Des Moines, Iowa. 323 pp.