Chrosomus cumberlandensis can be distinguished by having the following characters: two dusky stripes along side converge on caudal peduncle, coalesce into wide black stripe on large male; back and upper side with many black specks; 66-81 scales on lateral line; pharyngeal teeth 0,5-5,0; olive to green-gold above, silver white to red below; large male bright red below, behind opercle, and at base of dorsal fin; bright silver pectoral and pelvic fin bases, yellow fins; body moderately compressed; pointed snout and slightly subterminal mouth (Ref. 86798).