Mainly in the Mediterranean, and occasional in the southernmost part of the Bay of Biscaye. Northern stray records were reported.

One individual caught of Anselles, Normandy in the eastern English Channel (Ref. 92236; first record): Did not grow there (from sclerochronology study). May have benefited from the remains of the floating harbour built during the second world war near Arromanches as a proper habitat: these wrecks constitute artificial reefs where acceptable food would be available.

Protected in the Mediterranean (spear fishing forbidden).