It is widely distributed on the southeastern coast of Africa as well as off Japan and in Indonesia where it is usually found in sheltered coastal bays with a soft bottom, such as fine sand or mud.

[4] Parapterois heterura was first formally described as Pterois heterurus in 1856 by the Dutch physician, herpetologist and ichthyologist Pieter Bleeker with the type locality given as Ambon Island.

One is on the coast of Natal in southeastern Africa and the other is in the central Indo-Pacific covering Japan, Indonesia, New Guinea and Australia.

[4] Parapterois heterura is largely nocturnal and may partially bury itself in the substrate during the day making it difficult to spot.

The brightly colored pectoral fins are flared if the fish is disturbed and may startle predators but their main purpose seems to be to help corner prey when hunting.