Phoxinus saylori is a new cyprinid described from the Tennessee River drainage. This distinctive minnow is one of seven described North American Phoxinus species and one of four that occurs in Tennessee. It differs from all congeners by the combination of two uninterrupted black lateral stripes and development of black pigment on the underside of the head of nuptial males. Based on coloration and tuberculation patterns, P. saylori is hypothesized to be part of a monophyletic group comprised of P. oreas, P. tennesseensis, and P. cumberlandensis. Phoxinus saylori appears to be very rare; it is currently known from only six localities on the Walden Ridge portion of the Cumberland Plateau. Human activities such as agriculture and timbering threaten its future existence.