Lake Eyre basin

Lake Eyre is a vast endorheic basin within which lies the lowest point in Australia at some 15 m BMSL. It only fills with water occasionally and when it does so forms the country's largest salt lake. C. eremius does not occur in the lake itself since no fishes are able to survive there, rather it inhabits isolated freshwater springs, flowing artesian bores (wells), and ephemeral waterholes where it tends to be associated with rocks and other submerged cover.

Generally found within 15-20 km of the sea but habitat-type is extremely variable. It's been recorded in full marine conditions as well as pure freshwater environments, and commonly inhabits coastal mangrove creeks, swamps, and salt marshes. Freshwater habitats tend to comprise lowland swamps or forest streams with clear water but some populations inhabit acidic, tannin-stained, black waters. It's also abundant in the artificial canals typical of residential zones in the Gold Coast, southern Queensland.