Type locality, Port Lincoln, SA, BMNH 1865.5.13.2 (holotype of Phyllopteryx eques). Known from Kangaroo Island, SA (137°58'E) to Yanchep Beach, WA (31°33'S) (Ref. 75154). Common in a few localities in south Western Australia; recently discovered off Victorian coast near Anglesea but has been reported as far as Wilson's Promontory to the east. Taken in small numbers by aquarium collectors for the domestic and international marine aquarium trade, although food requirements make it difficult to maintain (Ref. 31838).