The bridle shiner lives in eastern North America. Its range in Canada reaches from the Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario to Lac St-Paul, Quebec in the northeast and to Lac Memphrémagog in the south, typically in lowland areas. It prefers the quiet parts of streams and (sometimes) lakes. It is usually found in areas where there is abundant aquatic vegetation, and can survive adequately in moderately muddy water; however, it prefers clear water. The increased clarity brought about by the presence of zebra mussels is thought to have had a positive effect on populations in the upper St. Lawrence River.

It has a golden/straw-coloured back, silvery sides that flash green-blue, and a black band that runs from its nose to its tail. The black markings of the band also extend around the fish's snout. As they mature, males develop small tubercles - or wart-like bumps -- on the head, nape and pectoral fins. The bridle shiner's maximum length is 6 cm. Like many small fishes, the bridle shiner does not live long: just two years.