Rummy Nose Tetra
Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus / H. bleheri)
Species: Rummy Nose Tetra
Growth Form: Small schooling tetra (mid-water swimmer)
Coloration: Silver body with bright red head/nose and black-and-white striped tail
Temperament: Very peaceful, highly social schooling fish
Tank Size: 20+ gallons (better in larger planted setups for proper schooling)
Placement: Mid-water column
Lighting: Moderate to bright (best in planted tanks with shaded areas)
Flow: Gentle to moderate flow (river-style or planted community tanks)
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding:
Micro pellets, quality flakes, frozen/live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms. Needs varied diet for strong coloration and activity. Feed small portions 1–2 times daily.
Care Level: Moderate (sensitive to water quality and parameter swings)
Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus / H. bleheri)
Availability:
Common in the aquarium trade; typically farm-bred and imported in large numbers.
Common Names:
Rummy Nose Tetra, Firehead Tetra, True Rummy Nose Tetra
Identification (with size):
Small schooling tetra reaching 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm). Distinctive bright red face/nose, translucent silver body, and a bold black-and-white striped tail fin. The intensity of the red coloration is a key indicator of stress level and overall health.
Behavior & Role:
Very peaceful, active schooling fish. Must be kept in groups of 10+ for natural behavior. Forms tight, synchronized schools and is highly valued in aquascaping for constant movement and visual flow.
Compatibility & Caution:
Excellent community fish. Avoid aggressive, large, or fin-nipping tank mates. Sensitive to unstable water conditions and poor water quality. Small groups lead to stress and faded coloration.
Care Level (Water Parameters):
- Care Level: Moderate (sensitive to fluctuations)
- Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)
- Hardness: Soft water ideal
- Stability Requirement: High (needs well-cycled, stable aquarium)
Diet / Feeding:
Omnivorous and requires a varied, high-quality diet for best color and health.
- Staple Foods: Quality micro pellets, fine flakes (high-protein tropical formulas)
- Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops
- Live Foods (optional but beneficial): Baby brine shrimp, microworms
- Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small portions
- Notes: A varied diet improves red head coloration and strengthens schooling behavior. Poor diet or overfeeding can quickly dull colors.
Tank Mates:
Ideal for peaceful community aquariums with other small schooling fish such as neon tetras, ember tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, dwarf gouramis, and gentle dwarf cichlids.
Fun Fact:
Rummy Nose Tetras are one of the most accurate “schooling signal” fish in the hobby—when startled or turned, an entire group can pivot in near-perfect synchronization within milliseconds, making them a favorite in planted aquascapes.