Type locality, La Luz Spring (lower Lerma), Zamora, Michoacán, CPUM 1509 (holotype of Zoogoneticus purhepechus, 3.412 cm SL, adult male). It is widely distributed in different drainages along the occidental part of Central Mexico, in the last 5 years, a reduction in its distribution of almost 75% of the historical occurrence points has been observed. The most common alterations reported in the localities where the species has disappeared are the introduction of exotic species, water pollution and desiccation (Ref. 83562).

Status of threat: This species should be considered as in danger of extinction, following the criteria and categories of the MER-Aii,Bi,Ci,Di (SEMARNAT 2002) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources IUCN A,1a,c,e (83562).