Known from the Lékoli River (Likouala River drainage, middle Congo River basin)(Ref. 85331). Also reported from "Lower Congo River in the vicinity of the Pool Malebo" (Ref. 85331), but it is unclear if this is actually in Pool Malebo or in the lower Congo. Type locality of the holotype of Petrocephalus valentini: 'Republic of the Congo, Cuvette-Ouest, Lékoli River (Congo basin), Odzala National Park, 0.62°N, 14.93°E' (Ref. 85331).