Type locality: Zhongdian, Yunnan (Ref. 33021). Changjiang (Yangtse) river (Ref. 41093). Endemic to Zhongdian Plateau of Jinsha River drainage including Lake Bita, Lake Napa, Lake Shudu, Nayahe River, Xiaozhongdian

River and Gezan River (Ref. 89909). Also Ref. 33800.

Threatened by habitat degradation, water pollution, over-exploitation and invasion of exotic species (most notably, Micropercops swinhonis).

Conservation actions: Lake Bita and the primary forest around the lake have been well protected since 1984 by establishing Bitahai Provincial Natural

Reserve. A population status monitoring was also started in 2007 in Lake Bita and Lake Shudu under collaboration of Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science and Bitahai Natural Reserve. In August 2008, an artificial breeding experiment of this fish was successfully implemented.

Conservation recommendations: A formal breeding project, monitoring, and prohibition of introduction/re-introduction of alien species are necessary.

Status of threat: Endangered according to China Species Red List,

Vol. 1 Red List (Wang and Xie 2004) (Ref. 89909).