This medium sized (up to 13cm) fish was once abundant in both the Gulf streams as well as the Murray Darling Basin. It is believed to have become extinct in the region at least 50 years ago. Close to extinction in the Murray Darling Basin (current status in the Darling River system is still to be determined). The species prefers slow-flowing water among aquatic plants, where hard substrates are found and utilised for spawning.

The Southern purple-spotted gudgeon is heavily predated upon by both Eastern gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki) and Redfin Perch (Perca fluviatilis).

'Mogurnda' is what some Aboriginal groups call this particular genus of fish.