[3] Helicolenus hilgendorfii attains a maximum standard length of 27 cm (11 in).

The dorsal fin has 12 short spines with the membranes between them being slightly notched, and 11-13 soft rays.

The body is light red in colour with orange-red mottling on the flanks above the lateral line.

[4] Helicolenus hilgendorfii is found in the northwestern Pacific Ocean from Japan and southern Korea southwards into the East China Sea.

[5] The krill species Euphausia pacifica has also been recorded as a prey item for this fish.