[1] In the wild, the species is found near Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon, and probably also in Brazil and Colombia.

[1] The H. pulcher has a pale-lemon background color with a black area on the flanks, up to the caudal peduncle.

[2] Under subdued lighting, the H. pulcher's body appears iridescent.

[2] Males can be distinguished from females through the shape of the swim bladder, which can be seen through the fish's semi-transparent body.

[2] Aquarists keep this fish in water with temperatures ranging from 23 to 27 °C (73 to 81 °F) that is soft (50–100 mg/L) and acidic (pH 6.0).