[6][7] Caves which have populations of the Ozark cavefish all have a relatively large source of nutrients, such as bat guano or blown leaf litter.

This is in part due to the role this species plays in preserving cave ecosystems through its feeding activity.

[8] Ozark cavefish are able to tolerate the extremely low oxygen content of ground water found in caves.

The geographic distribution of Ozark cavefish consists of northeastern Oklahoma, northwestern Arkansas, and southwestern Missouri.

Factors that have led to the decline of the Ozark cavefish include destruction of habitat, collecting of specimens, and disturbance by spelunkers.