The spotted flathead was first formally described in 1829 as Platycephalus punctatus with its type localities given as Trincomalee in Sri Lanka, Vanikoro in the Solomon Islands and Madagascar.

[3] This taxon was previously regarded as a junior synonym of the crocodile flathead (C. crocodilus) but was recognised again as a valid species in 1996.

There are many small dark spots on back extending to downward past the lateral line, these are less dense to the rear.

[2] This species is commonly recorded in shallow coastal waters sitting on the seabed at depths between 10 and 300 m (33 and 984 ft).

The juveniles use mangroves and stream mouths as nursery grounds while the adults prefer silty areas.