[3][4] This fish is found in China in the Yuanjiang (Yangtze system) and Pearl basins, freshwater systems of Hainan, and Yangzong and Fuxian Lakes, in Laos in the Mã (Nam Ma) basin, and in Vietnam in the Red, Gâm, Lô and Mã (Nam Ma) basins, and freshwater systems from Nghệ An to Quảng Trị province.

[1][5] It occurs in large to medium rivers, deep pools of streams, in lakes and reservoirs,[1][3] and it has a quite broad temperature tolerance, between at least 9 and 30 °C (48–86 °F) depending on season.

[5] Overall the species is widespread, but some local populations have been reduced due to overfishing, habitat loss and pollution.

[4] Large numbers of the species can be found in the Cẩm Lương stream in Cẩm Thủy, Vietnam, where it is considered sacred and the locals protect and feed it, and it is also a tourist attraction.

[5] Whereas immatures are dull-coloued, adults of this fast-growing species have red to the fins and head.