Occurs from Coral Bay to Recherche Archipelago (Ref. 9710). Recorded from Shark Bay (Ref. 115274). Common over shallow rocky reefs and sandy areas near reefs of about 40 m depth. Reported to be the most commonly observed fish at Rottnest I. Museum: Western Australia, BMNH 1935.9.14.16. King George Sound, MNHN A.9286 (holotype of Julis auricularis). Geographe Bay, AMS I.19629-036. Cockburn Sound, AMS I.20231-010, BPBM 27781. Esperance jetty, AMS I.20226-002. Rottnest I., AMS I.20239-008, LACM W55-189-9. Between Cape Naturaliste and Geraldton, AMS E.2484 (Ref. 33411). Also Ref. 33411.