This species belongs to the subgenus Catonotus and Etheostoma flabellare complex and is distinguished from Etheostoma flabellare by the combination of the following characters: seven or few, moderate to widely space, dark, distinct, transverse bars per side, usually 15 or less total; 2 or more wedge-shaped transverse bars in nuptial males and usually extending one to two scales below lateral line; nuptial male body color above and below lateral line yellow, golden yellow or golden tan, sharply contrasting with dark bars; scale pigmentation absent, concealed, or confined to areas above lateral line near dorsum or caudal peduncle region, not forming pattern on body; absence of horizontal dark line along body; lateral line usually 42-50, usually 77-95% pored, pored lateral-line scales usually 33-45; dorsal-fin spines modally 7; modally 40%-60% of belly covered by scales; dorsal saddles modally 7 (Ref. 87049).