Indo-West Pacific: India to China, Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Australia. Reported from Vanuatu.

A drab species, usually brownish grey to reddish brown with a pattern of fine lines across the caudal fin. Eyes well elevated compared to the reef stonefish S. verrucosa.

Makes a shallow depression by scooping up sand or mud with its pectoral fins until it is piled up around the sides of its body. Lies motionless on sandy bottom areas. Comes out at night and often moves on top of reefs.

In Guinness Book of Records as most venomous fish.