This species is sometimes traded as ‘cherry red Congo tetra’ or ‘super red Congo tetra’ and has also been referred to using the misapplied names Alestopetersius nigropterus (a valid congener) and A. ansorgii (a synonym of Nannopetersius ansorgii).

Two closely-related species are also found in the Congo basin and infrequently seen in the trade. ‘B.‘ candens has been collected northeast of the range of ‘B.‘ hulstaerti around the city of Kisangani (formerly Stanleyville) and nearby town of Yangambi. It can be distinguished from ‘B.‘ hulstaerti by its paler body colouration, smaller dark markings on the body and red ventral and anal fins in males. ‘B.‘ papillo is known only from its type locality close to the eastern town of Kindu between the Lualaba and Lomami rivers. It has an elongated central body marking and males possess black dorsal, ventral and anal fins.

An ideal species for the newcomer to 'oddballs'. It is exceptionally hardy, long-lived (it can survive for over 15 years when cared for properly) and exhibits some interesting behaviour. It appears to have evolved convergently with leaf fish of the genera Polycentrus and Monocirrhus (they're not closely related). All these species mimic leaves and other aquatic debris to assist them in hunting their prey. If you add live food to its tank, you will see the typical stalking behaviou…