Intending to become a clergyman, he went after schooling in Härnösand, in 1724, to study theology at Uppsala University, but he turned his attention to medicine and natural history, especially ichthyology, a science that he influenced greatly.

In 1728 his countryman Carl Linnaeus arrived in Uppsala, and a lasting friendship was formed between the two from 1729 (as Artedi was away in 1728 due to the death of his father).

In 1732 both left Uppsala, Artedi for England, and Linnaeus for Lapland; before parting they reciprocally bequeathed to each other their manuscripts and books, agreeing to finishing each other's work in the event of one predeceasing the other.

Artedi was short of money and Linnaeus introduced him to Albertus Seba, a wealthy Dutchman, who had formed what was perhaps the richest museum of his time in Amsterdam.

A memorial stone to Peter Artedi was erected in Amsterdam Zoological Gardens and unveiled on 28 June 1905; it is inscribed in Latin.