Found in southern Queensland from Brisbane northward along coast to Bundaberg and on Fraser Island. Mainland populations are endangered due to urban development, water pollution and possibly, excessive fishing for commercial purposes. The exotic mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki (Ref. 48787), adversly affects the species. Most of the insular, lacustrine populations are protected within the Fraser Island National Park. Establishment of habitat reserves is under considerations (Ref. 26181). Recent surveys revealed its presence in creeks near Caloundra, Little Yabba creek west of Maroochydore, Noosa river, creeks in the wide Bay area and on Fraser Island (Bool creek, Lake Wanhar, Yindeering lakes, Ocean lake, Deepwater lake and lake Wabby (Ref. 44894). Also Ref. 5259 and 48666.