 It can be distinguished from spikedace and spinedace by presence of barbels.Historically, the woundfin occupied much of the lower Colorado River basin, including two tributaries, the Virgin River and part of the Gila River; however, habitat destruction through dams and water development has led to its extirpation from these regions.In addition, several introduced species, most notably the red shiner ("Cyprinella lutrensis") have contributed to a decrease in the woundfin's Virgin River population.