This species is endemic to the mountainous eastern region of the United Arab Emirates and northern region of Oman. It is often the most common fish species in its range. In both countries it is present on the western side of the mountains and in Oman, it is also present on the east side. This fish typically lives in wadis, in gravel or rock pools, in springs, in small streams and in slow-moving water. The blind form is only known from the Hoti cave systems in the Al Hamra region of the Jebel Akhdar Mountains in Oman.