The coral crayfish has a widespread distribution through out the waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is found in the east coast of Australia from the Capricorn Bunker Group in Queensland to South West Rocks in New South Wales. This species is difficult to capture by commercial fishers as they seldom enter crayfish traps and have to be caught by divers using spear or hands. They can be found in areas that have rocky/coral reefs and hide in amongst the cracks and crevices away from any predators. The species can be identified by the white stripes on its legs, a dark coloured body that is brown to purple in colour and the blue markings on the head below the eyes.