Scorpaenopsis neglecta was first formally described in 1837 by the Austrian ichthyologist Johann Jakob Heckel with the type locality given as the "Sea of East Indies".

[3] The specific name neglecta means "neglected" or "overlooked", a reference Heckel did not explain, although he may have been suggesting that this species had previously been misidentified as S.

[4] Scorpaenopsis neglecta has a highly arched nap and front part of the body which leads to a humpback appearance.

There is a dark reddish band across the outer part of the tail just in from the margin, and there is frequently a yellowish patch on the operculum.

[7] It is found on rock and coral reefs in shallow water,[5] as well as on sand and mud substrates, at depths down to 40 m (130 ft).