It is found in China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, North Korea, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, and Ukraine.

When the fish rests on the bottom, the pectoral fins flare out resembling wings.

[3] The alpine bullhead is found in northern and central Europe in upland and coldwater streams and lakes in mountain regions.

[1] The alpine bullhead feeds on insects, crustaceans and small invertebrate prey that it finds on the bed of the stream.

In spring, when the water temperature rises to 5 °C (41 °F), a male will prepare a nest site under a large stone and several females will lay their eggs in it.