Pteroidichthys amboinensis was first formally described in 1856 by the Dutch herpetologist, ichthyologist and physician Pieter Bleeker with the type localities give as Ambon Island in the Moluccas and Manodo on Sulawesi.

In 1954 the Australian ichthyologist Gilbert Percy Whitley described a new species as Rhinopias godfreyi from Exmouth Gulf in Western Australia[4] but this taxon is now considered to be a junior synonym of P. amboinensis,[5] however, this species is still called Godfrey's scorpionfish in Australia.

[2] Pteroidichthys amboinensis is found in the Red Sea,[10] through the Indian Oceamnand into the western Pacific Ocean as far east as Fiji, north to southern Japan and south to Australia.

[2] Pteroidichthys amboinensis is a solitary ambush predator which is camouflaged to blend in to its habitat,[2]feeding on crustaceans and small fish.

[12] Pteroidichthys amboinensis is a popular species in the aquarium trade but it is rare and as a result commands high prices.