It is endemic to the central United States, where it is found in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma.

It is threatened by draining, filling, farming and flooding of backwater swamp habitat and overcollection for the aquarium trade.

When it enters its "flag" or "terminal" phase the following year, the male is larger with a deeper body and dark vertical bars along its sides, and its blue coloration fades.

Females are sexually mature at one year of age and spawn in May through July, probably producing multiple clutches.

[2] Adults of this species eat mainly tiny crustaceans such as water fleas and copepods, as well as chironomid fly larvae.

[2] The fish lives in slow-moving and stagnant waters in muddy and sandy well-vegetated habitat types where there are hiding spots.