Known only from the Pond River system. Although common, it has one of the smallest ranges (approx. 450 sq. km.) known for darters. There has been a decline in population due to a tractor fuel spill and a construction of a series of small impoundments in the extreme headwater in the type locality. Since the degradation of the upper Pond River system is expected to continue, leading to the eventual endangerment of this species, it was recommended that this species be considered for federal listing as a threatened species (Ref. 27671).

Status of threat: threatened. Criteria: 1,5 (http://fisc.er.usgs.gov/afs/) (Ref. 81264).