Known only from Dianchi Lake, Yunnan. The population of Y. nigromaculatus decreased quickly due to the introduction of the shrimp Macrobrachium nipponense (de Haan) into Dianchi Lake. This shrimp proved to be a competitor for the native shrimp (now very rare or extinct), the usuall prey of Y. nigromaculatus. Other factors that pose threat to this fish include land reclamation for agriculture, enclosure of fish ponds, embankments, channel dredging, introduction of exotic species (i.e. Pseudorasbora parva), agricultural, urban and industrial pollution. Present in Pearl River (Ref. 89718). Also Ref. 35840.