This species originates from and Lake Maracaibo basin as well as the Apón River, Santa Ana River, Catatumbo River, Escalante River and Rio de Los Pajaros basins of Colombia and Venezuela.
The species is endemic to the region surrounding Lake Maracaibo, including its tributaries such as the Apón, Santa Ana, Catatumbo, Escalante, and Rio de Los Pajaros rivers in both Colombia and Venezuela.