Occurs in the Mekong basin. A migratory species known from above Pak Beng to the Khoné Falls (Ref. 37772). Found in the lower Xe Bangfai (Ref. 27732) and Ban Hang Khone at Don Khone, 3 km below the fall line of the great waterfalls of the Mekong basin at Lee Pee (Ref. 9497). Inhabits riffle, deep slow reaches of the Mekong basin at Muang Khong (Ref. 37769). Undertakes non-reproductive upstream migration in December-March and downstream migration in June-July at Hat Village, Muang Khong District (Ref. 37769). Observed also to undergo migration at the fishing village of Ban Wernsonkhram on Don Hat (Hat Island) above the Lee Pee Waterfalls (Ref. 10431). Also migrates downstream during the wet season in July-August through Hoo Som Yai at the Great Fault Line on the Mekong River, Champassack Province (Ref. 37771). Moves into flooded forest on Don Khone and Don Saddam to forage (Ref. 37772). From Xayabouri in Laos to Chiang Saen in Thailand, it undertakes upstream migrations from March to August. One of the most important fishes at the Khone Falls during the dry season from January to March, when it migrates upstream. Has been artificially induced to spawn in Pakse in Champassak Province (Ref. 37770). Also Ref. 4792, 10431, 30857, 36654, 37767.