[5] Helicolenus percoides has a moderately large, smooth head which has a length which is 35-41% of its standard length, with moderately large eyes which do not bulge over the dorsal profile; of the head.there are 5 distinct spines on the front margin of each of the preopercles, uppermost is quite small and is located at the end of a low, spineless ridge underneath the eye.

[1] The overall colour is pinkish-orange to whitish marked with three broad orange to dark brown bands on the flanks which continue onto the dorsal and anal fins.

Fishes from shallow waters are typically darker and often have dense speckling with dark spots on the dorsal part of the head and flanks.

[6] In the month-long NORFANZ Expedition of 2003 which was examining the biodiversity of the seamounts and slopes of the Norfolk Ridge, thirty specimens averaging 1 kg (2.2 lb), were collected from three locations.

[6] Helicolenus percoides is an important species for commercial fisheries with white meat that is mild tasting.