[2] The genus as currently circumscribed dates from the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian) to Early Cretaceous (Valanginian) of Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, England and France.

A complete skeleton was described in 2021 from the Late Jurassic (Tithonian) aged Solnhofen Limestone.

[2] The genus seems to have been adapted for open marine conditions and likely had an epibenthic habit (swimming just above the seafloor).

Asteracanthus was probably adapted for feeding on a wide range of prey, ranging from moderately hard shelled to soft-bodied, likely including fish, crustaceans, echinoderms, hard shelled molluscs and cephalopods like belemnites.

Teeth of Asteracanthus found with the remains of marine reptiles suggest that it may have also engaged in scavenging.