Barbodes gonionotus occurs throughout the whole freshwater stretch of the Mekong River, from the saline intrusion zone of the delta to the northernmost stations at Chiang Khong and Bokeo in Thailand and the Lao PDR, respectively.

In Cambodia, this species has the same name as the Hypsibarbus species, so some confusion may have occurred in the information provided about these two genera (see below).

Barbodes gonionotus is not considered to be a long-distance migratory species. Most fishermen reported that it was a "local migrant", meaning that it migrates from the Mekong River up into small streams and canals and into flooded areas during the monsoon season, and back down during periods of receding water (lateral migration). This observation was confirmed at most of the stations during the survey.

Some reports indicated that the upstream migration of the fish was triggered by the first rains and rising water levels. When the fish find a tributary, a canal or a small stream they migrate upstream and eventually into flooded areas. Receding water triggers the movement back into the canals and streams and into the Mekong.

Most fishermen reported developed eggs during the period from March to June, although others reported that eggs can be found all year round.

The above information indicates that Barbodes gonionotus is an opportunistic spawner and that the species probably has numerous local populations with some degree of overlap.

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