This subterranean species inhabits evergreen forests, rubber plantations, tea plantations, paddy fields, rural gardens and farms, wetlands (boggy areas), and cattle pastureland. The adults are often found in humus. It is assumed to be oviparous with terrestrial eggs and aquatic larvae.

This species has been recorded in agricultural habitats that retain high enough levels of vegetation and moisture. However, it is not thought to be tolerant of more extreme changes that result in much lower soil moisture levels, consistently alter soil chemistry, and have have the potential to result in fragmentation (Sri Lanka Red List Assessment Workshop February 2020). Furthermore, it appears to be less adaptable than Ichthyophis glutinosus.

This species is endemic to the mountains of south central Sri Lanka. It has been recorded at elevations between 460-1,890 m asl and is likely restricted to its currently known range (Sri Lanka Red List Assessment Workshop February 2020). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is 1,223 km² and, given the possibility of local extinctions and the ongoing threat of clear-cutting within its small range, this species is likely restricted to fewer than five threat-defined locations.

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species has been recorded from Pattipola Forest Reserve and Namunakula Forest Reserve (Sri Lanka Red List Assessment Workshop February 2020).

Conservation Needed
Expansion of effective forest preservation and continued management of existing protected areas is essential for the conservation of this species.

Research Needed
More information is needed on this species' distribution, population status, ecology, and threats. There is a need for monitoring the population status of this species given the threats of habitat loss and pollution throughout its range. Additionally, it is necessary to investigate about this species complex in order to elucidate the taxonomic identity of its members.