The range of the Gravel Chub is mainly central North America. In Canada, this species was only known in two locations in the Thames River; however, no specimens have been recorded since 1958. More recent attempts to find the species have supported suspicions that these localized Ontario populations no longer exist. There is no current evidence of reproducing populations in Canada.

The Gravel Chub (Erimystax x-punctatus) is a member of the Minnow family (Cyprinidae), with a fragile, small, slender body. The average length of Ontario adults is 76 mm. The snout is rounded, with an overhanging, small mouth and conspicuous barbel. The eye diameter is relatively large. The gravel chub's overall colouration is silvery with olive-green on its back and silvery-white below. Scale margins are randomly outlined in black creating X or Y shaped marks that were usually faint on Ontario specimens, which did not show a prominent caudal spot.