This species occurs only in the deep pools and slow-flowing regions of the Olifants River in the Western Cape
These fish migrate upstream to spawn over the gravel beds of the middle reaches.
They are threatened by the construction of dams, which obstruct migration routes and change the natural flood and temperature cycles in the river.
Other threats include large-scale removal of river water, and alien fish, which feed on the eggs and young of the yellowfish.
Largest recorded is 98,7cm in length and weighing 10,66kg