Collected in the northern part, with sampling localities in and near Myitkyina and Indawgyi Lake, and near Mandalay in the central part. It is most abundant in small pools with extensive vegetation, and where co-occurring with other Badis species, it occupies the more quiet areas. Largest sample (406 specimens) obtained from pools around fish ponds near Myitkyina, with shallow, turbid water and abundant areas of submersed grass. Both here and in the pools adjacent to Indawgyi Lake, it lives with air-breathing species, indicative of low oxygen conditions. Type locality, Nan Kywe Chaung under bridge on road south to Mogaung, Irrawaddy R. drainage, Myitkyina Distr., Kachin State (Ref. 46238).