[2] Metapenaeus monoceros is native to the Indo-West Pacific from Durban to the Red Sea along the African coast and around India.

Now it has also invaded into the eastern Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal,[3] eliminating population of the native species Melicertus kerathurus in those areas.

Males have a prominent curved spine on fifth pereiopod (walking leg).

[citation needed] Metapenaeus monoceros is believed to be a continuous breeder with two major spawning seasons.

It is important in African coastal countries, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Israel and Egypt.