Type locality, Susik Creek, PMR 2199 (holotype of Telestes karsticus, 8.87 cm SL). This species is endemic in Croatia with a small distributional range. To date, the species has been recorded at only four localities around Velika Kapela and Mala Kapela mountains: Stajnica Creek in Stajnica Field, Susik Creek in Lug Field and Jezero Lake and Jasenèica Creek in Jasenak Field (Ref. 87378). Also Ref. 89938.

Status of threat: Should be listed as critically endangered (CR) following the IUCN criteria [version 3.1 (IUCN, 2001), and following 7.0 guidelines (IUCN, 2008)] because the area of occupancy of each species is very small (<1 km2 for each species). The population faces a constant reduction in its range and habitat quality, as well as increasing anthropogenic effects on the subterranean karst habitats where it resides for part of the year (Ref. 87378).