Known from the Current, Eleven Point, Spring and White river systems of the White River drainage in the Ozark Highlands of Missouri and Arkansas. In the Current River, this is the only Cottus species found upstream of Akers Ferry. However, downstream of Akers Ferry, it is reported to be sympatric with Cottus carolinae. Has not been recorded from the lower reaches of the Black River between the confluences of the Current, Eleven Point, Spring and White river systems presumably because unsuitable habitat exists in this lowland faunal region (Ref. 83416).