It is native to the Tensift River catchment of the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

[2] However, it has been extirpated from the Rheraya River in the middle of its range, which has led to two isolated sub-populations.

[1] The taxonomy and systematics of the Maghreb barbs are subject to considerable dispute.

Some authors consider L. magniatlantis a distinct species, while others include it in L. nasus, which is now extinct.

The specific epithet alludes to its High Atlas habitat.