It is thought to be endemic to the Southwest Pacific, from Sydney, New South Wales and southern Queensland (Australia) to the Solomon Islands.

[3] Its natural habitats include Zostera seagrass beds, sponges, kelp holdfasts, macroalgae, and corals, but it can also be found under jetties and on other anthropogenic structures, such as shark nets.

[1] This species is known to show a preference for more complex habitats, likely because their camouflage is more effective in these environments, making avoiding predators easier.

[1] Predators of H. whitei include invertebrates, fishes, sea turtles, waterbirds and marine mammals.

[1] Males may brood 100–250 embryos at a time, and after a three-week gestation period, give birth to about 150 young.

This species occurs along some of the most highly populated estuaries in Australia, in which habitats tend to be the most impacted by coastal development, pollution, destructive boat anchoring and sedimentation.

Small numbers caught in bycatch may be illegally traded, but this is not thought to pose a significant conservation threat.