Bothus pantherinus is found in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf to South Africa, as far as southeast Australia and Japan.

One broader dark blotch is located on middle of the straight section of the lateral line.

Bothus pantherinus takes on dull, spotted coloring to blend in with the rocky seafloor.

Other times the flounder turns an almost see-through color to avoid predators when swimming near the surface.

It is often partially buried in or on the sand of lagoons, bays and sheltered reefs, at a depth of 3–150 metres (9.8–492.1 ft).