They are native to the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from Japan to northern Australia. They prefer shallow coastal waters, coral reefs, and sandy or muddy bottoms. Juveniles are famously marked with striking dark brown and cream bands for camouflage. As they mature into adults these bands fade into a solid, light-to-medium brown color.

This species can survive in extremely low-oxygen environments an adaptation that allows them to survive in tide pools during low tides. They may still be breathing when displayed at a fishmonger stall.

It is a very common small shark caught all over the shallow coastal waters of Seberang Perai.