An endangered species, surviving at present in certain small streams in the central catchment forest (Ref. 13061). Occurs in shaded forest streams with acidic water. A gregarious fish which frequents the upper and middle water levels and feeds mainly on insects. Threatened due to forest destruction and unsustainable collection fro the aquarium trade. Conservation measures include continued protection of its natural habitat from degradation and from illegal fish collectors. Aquarium trade should be supplied largely with captive bred stocks (Ref. 85309). Also Ref. 122370.

Status of threat: endangered (Ref. 85350).