In a subsequent study, Powers "et al." (2012) further examined the genetic divergence of "E. cinereum". The species had diverged most notably in the Cumberland River system, resulting in a new species, "Etheostoma maydeni", or the redlips darter. "E. maydeni" is physically distinguished from "E. cinereum" by having an obvious red pigment on the external surface of the lips. The study also pointed out differences in number of dorsal rays, dorsal spines, and caudal peduncle scales between the proposed new species and "E. cinereum". Observations indicated slower growth rates for "E. maydeni", as well as increased dependence on burrowing insects (mayflies). In light of the extensive surveys and genetic analyses conducted on the "E. cinereum" species complex, its taxonomic status remains unclear.