[1] It is endemic to northern Australia, inhabiting waters in the Timor and Arafura Seas[2] near Cape Londonberry, The Kimberley, Western Australia, and the western side of Cape York.

[3] It is a benthic species, found on continental shelves at depths of 48 to 132 meters below sea level.

[3] The main threat of the ornate numbfish is commercial fishing which can directly or indirectly modify its habitat.

This is likely due to the species inhabiting depths over 50 meters and not being affected by trawling from the NPF, as well as having a distribution exceeding fishing areas.

It has been classified as 'Least concern' by the IUCN Red List, and no specific conservation efforts have been made towards the species.