This species is endemic to the Yangtze River. The population has decreased due to historical overfishing and habitat degradation. In 1981, the construction of the Gezhouba Dam in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River blocked the migration route of this species which prevented adult fish moving to the upper reaches of the river to spawn. Since 2002, only two female adult specimens have been recorded, despite recent surveys to re-discover the species. The last recorded juveniles from the lower reaches of the river, was in 1995. Expected number of mature individuals 0-50 left in the wild is expected and this species was assessed in October 24, 2009 as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct). However, more extensive surveys are needed in areas across the species range in order to confirm whether or not individuals of this species remain. The species was last seen in 2003 (Ref. 117880).

Recorded reports are the following: in 1992, two specimens (1.2 kg weight, 47 cm TL; 1.3 kg weight, 50 cm TL) were found in the Chongqing reach (in Chen, 2007); in 2002, a female (body length 330 cm, weight 117 kg) captured in the section of Jiangsu Nanjing, Yangtze River in 2002 (attempts were made to save this individual, but it only survived in captivity for 30 days); Jan 24th, 2003, a female (body length 352 cm) was accidentally caught in Yibin, Sichuan Province China (upper stream of Yangtze River); between 2006-2008, none collected (Ref. 117880). From other literature: four specimens from Yichang City of Hubei Province, Chongming Island of Shanghai City, and Ningpo City of Zhejiang Province (Ref. 47439) and also recorded in Changjiang River and occasionally found in Qiantangjiang River (Ref. 45563).

Many spawning grounds have been destroyed by the Gezhouba Dam in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River (= Changjiang River). Urgent action is required to save this species (Ref. 28581). Also Ref. 36732.

Status of threat: Endangered (Ref. 45563). Possibly extinct (Ref. 117880).