The species is currently found only in Daying Jiang. This torrent fish is severely threatened by river damming, as well as overfishing and invasive species. Based on its restricted distribution, with an extent of occurrence of 150-2,225 km² and fewer than five locations, along with continuing decline in habitat quality, it is assessed as Endangered B1ab(iii).

This species is only known from the upper stream of Daying Jiang (upper Irrawaddy), in Yunnan, China.

This species was common in around 2004. It was last collected in 2023 (several individuals, but no longer common). The population is thought to have declined due the effects of dams built around ten years ago, but there is a lack of data to demonstrate that the decline is continuing.

This species occurs in a tributary stream. It prefers clinging to stone surfaces. It scrapes on stone surfaces for attached organisms as food. Spawning is during April.

The main threats to this species are dam building, invasive alien species and overfishing. Dam of various sizes have densely been built across the Daying Jiang, where this torrent fish dwells, so putting it under threat.

This species is fished for food.

A national aquatic germplasm resource reserve of this species has been established in the Binlang Jiang, tributary to the Daying Jiang. Effective management of the reserve should be implemented.