Known only from the upper part of the Río Ameca basin, Jalisco, at elevations above 1,300 meters. This river drains into the Pacific at Bahía de Banderas, north of Puerto Vallarta. In the upper Ameca, the new species had been captured in the main river and in two tributaries, near the east of the town. The last known record of capture was in 21 April 1969 in a tributary to Río Ameca just west of Ameca, on the road to Mascota (Ref. 52300). Reported to be extinct (Ref. 32716). Type locality, Río Teuchitlán, UMMZ 212500 (3.74 cm SL, female).

Status of threat: endangered; status improved since 1989 listing. Criteria: 1,5 (http://fisc.er.usgs.gov/afs/) (Ref. 81264).