The Virgin River chub is a silvery, medium-sized minnow that averages about 20 centimeters (cm) or 8 inches in total length, but can grow to a length of 45 cm (18 inches). The Virgin River chub can be distinguished from G. robusta by the number of rays (9 to 10) in the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins, and the number of gill rakers (24 to 31). The back, breast, and part of the belly have small, deeply embedded scales that are difficult to see and may be absent in some individuals, hence the name seminuda.