[2] The scientific nomenclature of these squid stems from their set of differently sized eyes, one being small and blue and the other being large and yellow.

[3] The squid's vernacular name arose due to its rich red skin pigmentation and the presence of photophores along its body, making it appear like a strawberry with seeds.

[6] Members of the species H. heteropsis are small squids, with mature males averaging 54–89 mm in length, and have a purplish-red skin pigment.

[8] In counter-illumination, the squid produces blue light from its photophores so that, when viewed from above, it blends in with the downwelling sunlight and effectively erases its silhouette.

[8] Although the exact purpose for this particular use of bioluminescence is unknown, the heavily pigmented oral cavity and interbrachial membrane of H. heteropsis and some other squids suggests that luminescence by the prey threatens the predator in some way.

[8] H. heteropsis males do not possess a hectocotylus as is common in other mesopelagic squid species, although they do have a penis which is used to transfer spermatophores to the female during copulation.

[9] Although not much is known about female reproductive systems in H. heteropsis specifically, other members of the family Histioteuthidae show significant oocyte resorption (oosorption) during maturation.

[4] Within marine food webs, H. heteropsis plays an important role in the diets of tuna, porpoises, blue sharks, sperm whales, elephant seals, and albatross.

[4] Not much is known about the diet of H. heteropsis itself, although limited stomach content evaluations show that they feed on fish, crustaceans, and smaller squids.

[5] In 1913, Berry discovered H. heteropsis and recognized it as a member of the family Histioteuthidae due to its large number of photophores.

[7] Based on a 2010 assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), H. heteropsis is categorized as least concern due to its large geographic distribution.