[2] This species is endemic to South Africa and is found only in freshwater bodies of subtropical climate.

[3] A. barnardi inhabits riffles among loosely bedded rocks and coarse sand.

[2] Other species that occur in this area include Pseudobarbus phlegethon, Barbus calidus, and Austroglanis gilli.

[3] Portions of their river habitat are adjacent to agricultural fields and orchards, so it is likely that pesticides and insecticides affect populations.

It has been threatened by the introduction of invasive species such as tilapia, smallmouth bass and the bluegill sunfish.