The Suckermouth Minnow is widespread across the central United States from Texas to Minnesota, including the Tennessee and Cumberland river drainages. They tolerate a wide range of turbidity and live over soft substrate in creeks to large rivers. As the common name suggests, Suckermouth Minnows, like other members of the genus Phenacobius, resemble small suckers (family Catostomidae) with a long and cylindrical body, as well as fleshy lips.