Royal red shrimp (Pleoticus robustus) is found in Western Atlantic, commonly encountered from 35°N (Cape Hatteras) to French Guiana, but occasionally extending to 43°N (Scotian Shelf). Stock structure of this species is unknown and in US waters it is assessed and managed under the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

In the South Atlantic they are found in large concentrations primarily off northeast Florida. They inhabit the upper regions of the continental slope from 180 m (590 ft) to about 730 m (2,395 ft), but concentrations are usually found at depths of between 250 m (820 ft) and 475 m (1,558 ft) over blue/black mud, sand, muddy sand, or white calcareous mud.