A small minnow species (usually <100 mm), with an upper lip that is free from the snouth, slightly subterminal mouth; mouth horizontal; maxillary barbels are small and often hidden in the maxillary groove; caudal peduncle is moderately narrow (2.3-2.7 times into head length; dorsal and anal fins are strongly falcate, lobes of caudal fin are pointed; 9 or 10 dorsal rays and 56-72 scales along the lateral line; adults usually heavily marked with irregular dark blotches on the sides and back. For detailed description and discussion of similar species, refer to McPhail (2008).
Source: McPail, J. D. 2008. The Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia. University of Alberta Press, Edmonton.