This species is found only in the upper Lancang Jiang basin in Qinghai, Xizang and Yunnan, China, where it is a bottom-dweller living in torrential water with rocky substrate. Its habitat was degraded and fragmented by dam construction, and its population declined due to overfishing from intensified and illegal fishing. The species was one of main economic fish in Qinghai in the mid-1980s, but it is now rarely encountered, and only at a few sites within its previously large range. Based on its current extent of occurrence of around 18,000 km², presence at seven locations, and continuing decline in habitat quality and population size, it is assessed as Vulnerable B1ab(iii,v).

The species is known from the upper Mekong River (Lancangjiang) basin in southern China (Yunnan, Qinghai, and Tibet [or Xizang] Province) (Chu and Chen 1990) and upper Lancang Jiang basin (Deqin, Weixi, Lanping and Yunlong) (China Red List).

This was known to be one of the main economic fish in upper Lancang Jiang basin in Qinghai before mid-1980s, but was not caught in surveys during 2007-2011. It still survives in Lancang Jiang of Yunnan, Qinghai and Xizang, but is very rare. In Xizang, five specimens were caught in 2019 and one in 2020 (none in more recent years). One specimen was caught in Qinghai 2023. This species has undergone a steep population decline, estimated as around 80% in Qinghai, but most of this decline is likely to have been prior to the start of the three generation length period. A slow decline is currently inferred and a continuing decline in the population is also inferred.

This is a benthic species, dwelling in torrential water with rocky substrate. It feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates, especially annulata. No information on reproductive biology available.

There are many cascade dams built and under construction within the range of this species. The building of these dams fragmented its habitat, and caused a decrease in its area of occupancy. Invasive species are also a threat in this river. Unselective fishing also put this species under threat in the past. Illegal fishing is ongoing and could be a very serious threat, as this is a highly valuable species.

This species was previously targeted as a food fish throughout its range. Illegal fishing continues in Xizang, Qinghai, and Yunnan.

No protection measures have been implemented for this species to date, other than restrictions on fishing which have not been completely effective given that illegal fishing is ongoing. More research on habitat requirement and ecology is in urgent need. Dam building across the rivers in which it inhabits requires careful thought, or measures should be taken to mitigate adverse impacts of river damming. Illegal fishing should be totally banned to avoid overuse of this species.