It is endemic to southern Africa and possibly several small Indian Ocean islands, although the latter reports may represent undescribed new species.

[2] This species occurs in the western Indian Ocean, from South Africa east of Cape Agulhas to Zanzibar, and possibly as far north as Kenya.

[2][3] The coloration is generally yellowish or reddish-brown above, with numerous closely packed dark brown spots.

[4] Monitoring, abundance estimates, and basic biological data are needed for the black-spotted torpedo in order to assess its conservation status.

It is taken as by-catch by inshore trawl fisheries and anglers, and its shallow estuarine and intertidal habitats are vulnerable to coastal development.