Rummy Nose Tetra

The Rummy Nose Tetra is a highly popular and visually striking freshwater fish known for its bright red head, silver body, and bold black-and-white striped tail. Its synchronized schooling behavior creates a stunning display in aquariums. Native to the Amazon Basin, this species is slightly sensitive to water conditions but thrives beautifully in well-maintained, planted tanks.

Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus / Hemigrammus bleheri) – Complete Care Guide Description The Rummy Nose Tetra is a highly popular and visually striking freshwater fish known for its bright red head, silver body, and bold black-and-white striped tail. Its synchronized schooling behavior creates a stunning display in aquariums. Native to the Amazon Basin, this species is slightly sensitive to water conditions but thrives beautifully in well-maintained, planted tanks. Water Parameters Soft, acidic, and very stable water is essential: Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F) pH: 5.5–7.0 Hardness: 1–10 dGH Tank Size: Minimum 80–100 liters (20–25 gallons) Water Flow: Gentle to moderate Water Changes: 25–30% weekly Care & Maintenance Rummy Nose Tetras require stable conditions and attentive care: Keep in groups of at least 8–10 for proper schooling behavior. Provide a planted aquarium with open swimming areas. Maintain excellent water quality—they are sensitive to fluctuations. Use soft lighting and a darker substrate to enhance colors. Feed a varied diet: high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and live/frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp). Ensure proper acclimation when introducing to the tank. Behaviour & Temperament Peaceful and tight schooling fish. Swim in synchronized groups, creating a beautiful display. Active mid-level swimmers. Non-aggressive and community-friendly. Their red nose fades if stressed—an indicator of health. Compatibility Ideal for peaceful community aquariums. Compatible with other calm, similarly sized fish. Avoid aggressive or overly active species. Suitable Tank Mates Other tetras (Neon, Cardinal, Ember) Rasboras Corydoras catfish Dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma, Rams) Peaceful gouramis Pencilfish Tank Mates to Avoid Aggressive cichlids Fin-nipping fish Large predatory fish Very boisterous or hyperactive species Fish with incompatible water parameters Pro Tips Keep in larger schools for best visual effect and reduced stress. Maintain very stable water parameters—they are sensitive. Use their red nose color as a health indicator. Perform regular water changes to maintain cleanliness. Add plants and driftwood to replicate natural habitat. Acclimate slowly to avoid stress-related issues. Summary The Rummy Nose Tetra is a beautiful and elegant schooling fish that adds synchronized movement and vibrant contrast to aquariums. With stable water conditions, proper group size, and compatible tank mates, it thrives and becomes a highlight in any community setup.