Formerly known from the Dianchi Lake, Fuxian Lake and Xingyun Lake of Yunnan. Apparently extinct in the Dianchi and Xingyun lakes and a small population is existing in the Fuxian Lake. Two subspecies were differentiated, C. m. micristius (shorter and deeper body and caudal peduncle; large head and eye and more branched dorsal fin rays) which is endemic in Dianchi Lake (shallow with dense aquatic vegetation) and C. m. fuxianensis in Fuxian and Xingyan lakes (deep with rare aquatic vegetation) (Ref. 38451).

Regulations on the management of Dianchi Lake has been promulgated. The lake is closed to fishing for 5 months each year, 7 areas of the lake closed to fishing all year round have also been designated (Ref. 45563).

Status of threat: Endangered (Ref. 45563).