The Brown Tripletail or simply Tripletail range globally in tropical and subtropical waters of all oceans, from New England/Bermuda down to Argentina in the Atlantic, throughout the Indo-Pacific (East Africa to Japan/Fiji), and the Eastern Pacific (Costa Rica to Peru), often near structures like buoys or floating debris in estuaries, bays, and offshore.

In Malaysia the Brown Tripletail fish is known by several local names, including Patipok – which is the literal translation from Chinese – the Blacksmith, Pecah Periuk, and sometimes known as Siakap Batu – although it is not a “siakap” a seabass or barramundi. It is not uncommon in fresh fish market although only a few will be dsiplayed or sold, obviously they are not often caught. It has firm white flesh but not as tasty as Siakap or Grouper species, it can be cooked Chinese style – steamed or cooked in curry or simply fried.

In Seberang Perai is can be found at most fish market, but sizes are smaller.