This subterranean species historically occurred only at its type locality, in an underground river in Gejiu County, Yunnan, China. The area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are estimated to be 4 km² and the species occurs in a single threat-based location. Historical mining activities immediately adjacent to the type locality destroyed the integrity of habitat quality, and the species has not been recorded in ichthyological surveys since its original collection in 1978. Given the severity of historical threats, and the severe impact that mining caused at the type locality, this species is assessed as Critically Endangered, Possibly Extinct under criterion B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii). Comprehensive ichthyological surveys in all potentially suitable habitat will be necessary to determine if this species is still extant.

This subterranean species historically occurred only at its type locality, in an underground river (at a depth of 400 m) in Gejiu County, Yunnan, China. The species has not been recorded in ichthyological surveys since its original collection in 1978, and therefore the likelihood if it being possibly extinct at the type locality is high given historical threats. 
The area of occupancy (AOO) is estimated to be 4 km², based on a single 2x2 grid overlain on the type locality, and the extent of occurrence (EOO) is therefore also estimated to be 4 km². If it still occurs here, then this species is thought to occur in a single threat-based location, given the severity of historical threats.

This species is only known from its type series. This species has not been collected since its description. Total population size and population trend are unknown.

This is a stygobitic species, described from specimens collected in an underground river at a depth of 400 m. It likely feeds on microscopic animals and aquatic animals (Romero et al. 2009).

The original environment has been severely modified from the effects of historical mining activities (Romero et al. 2009). The impacts of these activities are irreversible.

This species is not utilized.

Comprehensive ichthyological surveys are urgently needed to determine where the species may still occur.