Found only in one small area of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Occurs in shaded forest streams with acidic water and dense growth of submerged vegetation and leaf litter beds. A carnivorous fish which tends to hide among vegetation. Sometimes encountered in the aquarium trade. Threatened mainly due to habitat degradation. Conservation measures include continued protection of its habitat from human impacts and strict policing against illegal collection (Ref. 85309).

Status of threat: critically endangered (Ref. 85350).