Found in the provinces to the south of the Changjiang River (=Yangtze River) (Ref. 26563) and in Zhujiang River (=Pearl River) drainage of Guangdong Province and Hainan provinces. Also found in Tungting Lake where it is known as "hei-y¨¹" (Ref. 35840). Introduced from its native range to other regions in the country for intensive culture in ponds and cages (Ref. 55380).

Known from Hanjiang river drainage; Beijiang river drainage; Hanjiang river drainage; Dongjiang river drainage; Moyang jiang river drainage in Guangdong Province. Also from Nandujiang river drainage; Wanquanhe river drainage in Hainan Province (Ref.45323). Also Ref. 85799.