Hapalochochlaena sp. are found in the IndoWest Pacific and Indian Oceans. They are very common in shallow waters around the coast of Australia particularly in the cooler areas along the southern coast. Hapalochochlaena lunulata specifically is found along the coasts of Northern Australia and farther north in the tropic western Pacific Ocean.

(Ellis 1991, Environment Australia 1999, Norman 1998, Roper and Hochberg 1988)

Biogeographic Regions: indian ocean (Native ); pacific ocean (Native )