This species is found at depths of 30–60 cm (Means and Gunzburger Aresco 2020) in deep, organic, liquid muck in alluvial swamps fed by low-gradient second or third order streams, spring runs, and occasionally swampy terrace streams in floodplains. It is not found in muck beds that derive moisture from rainfall rather than seepages and, similar to congeners, may aestivate if water levels drop too low (Means and Gunzburger Aresco 2020). It is very habitat-dependent, so maintenance of non-polluted muck is essential for its survival.

This species can be found in the lower Gulf coastal plain of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, USA. Graham (2008) extended the distribution in Alabama about 50 km to the north with new records in Covington county. Brown and Lamb (2016) extended the species' distribution westward with new records in Harrison county, Mississippi. It appears not to range more than 80–120 km inland from the coast (Means 1996). It is difficult to detect due to its cryptic habits and it may occur more widely.

Conservation Actions In-Place
The species occurs in several managed areas. Its distribution overlaps with several State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, Wildlife Management Areas, Conservation Areas, Nature Preserves, Conservation Easements, and other types of protected area.

Conservation Actions Needed
Entire drainage basins (including uplands) need to be preserved. Pollution of its habitat also needs to be prevented.

Research Needed
Surveys for this species in managed areas within its range need to be conducted, and potential sites should be identified from topographic maps. Further work is needed to better understand its ecology.