Once widely distributed in the Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee River systems in the United States, its range has declined dramatically to the point of near-extinction.

It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.

[5] The white wartyback lived in the main arteries of big rivers.

[4] It was distributed through Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

[5] There are currently no live individuals that exist in laboratories or propagation facilities.