[1] Bovichtus variegatus was first formally described in 1846 by the Scottish naval surgeon, naturalist and Arctic explorer Sir John Richardson with the type locality given as Port Jackson in New South Wales,[2] probably erroneously because this species has not been recorded in Australia since.

[4] Bovichtus variegatus has a body which is completely lacking scales with a broad, flattened head.

[3] The rays of the pelvic, pectoral and anal fins are robust and the fishes use them as props when resting on a substrate.

Thornfishes are common in tidal pools and on rocky reefs in shallow waters, particularly in the more southerly parts of its range.

Its mottled colour pattern appears to be a very effective camouflage in its tidal pool habitat.