[3] It is endemic to the Western Cape Province of South Africa, where it occurs in the upper Olifants River and its tributaries – the Biedou, Boontjies, Boskloof, Breekkrans, Driehoeks, Dwars, Eselbank, Jan Dissels, Matijes, Noordhoeks, Oudste, Ratels, Rondegat, Thee and Tra Tra Rivers – near Clanwilliam and Keerom.

Schools of adults form to migrate to shallow pools with slow-moving water and spawn between rocks and boulders, depositing the eggs in crevices between these.

[1] This species is considered Near Threatened by the IUCN, mainly due to the adverse impact of the introduced smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) on its population.

Bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) and rainbow trouts (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are other introduced species that are significant as predators of younger Clanwilliam redfins.

[1] The Clanwilliam redfin occurs in the Cederberg Wilderness Area and the Matjies River Nature Reserve, where it is at least safe from habitat destruction.