Found in very localtions and in small numbers in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Occurs in quiet forest streams with slow-flowing acidic water. Threatened due to loss of forest habitats and unsustainable collection for the aquarium trade. To ensure its survival, protection of the few streams frequented by this species from human encroachment (development, pollution and illegal fish collections) appears to be the only effective conservation measure. Aquarium trade should be supplied with captive bred stocks (Ref. 85309).

Status of threat: critically endangered (Ref. 85350).