RummyNose Tetra

Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)

The Rummy Nose Tetra is a small, peaceful freshwater schooling fish native to the Rio Negro and Orinoco basins in South America. Famous for its bright red nose and striking black-and-white striped tail, it is one of the most popular tetras for community aquariums due to its peaceful nature and strong shoaling behaviour.

Rummy Nose Tetras are hardy, social, and excellent for planted tanks.

Size & Lifespan

• Adult Size: 4–5 cm

• Lifespan: 5–6 years with proper care

• Temperament: Peaceful, active, and social

They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6–8, though larger shoals display more natural behaviour and are less stressed.

Appearance

• Bright red head (“nose”) extending to the gill cover

• Silver body with iridescent sheen

• Tail fin with alternating black-and-white stripes

• Small, streamlined body ideal for active shoals

Healthy, unstressed fish show intense colouration and tight schooling behaviour.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–28°C

• pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)

• Minimum Tank Size: 60L for a small shoal

Stable, clean water with regular maintenance is important for health and colour intensity.

Tank Setup

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

• Plants: Dense vegetation with open swimming areas

• Decorations: Driftwood and roots for enrichment

• Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow with good oxygenation

• Lighting: Moderate; plants and shaded areas help reduce stress

They thrive in long, open tanks where shoals can swim together.

Tank Mates

Compatible species:

• Small peaceful tetras and rasboras

• Corydoras catfish

• Small livebearers (platies, guppies, mollies)

Avoid:

• Aggressive fish

• Large predatory species

Rummy Nose Tetras are calm and best kept with other small, non-aggressive species.

Feeding

• High-quality flake food or micro pellets

• Frozen or live foods: daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms

• Occasional vegetable flakes

Feed small portions 1–2 times daily to maintain bright colours and health.

Breeding

• Egg-layers; prefer soft, slightly acidic water

• Spawn in fine-leaved plants or spawning mops

• Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, fry are tiny and need infusoria or microworms initially

• Breeding is best done in a separate, planted tank to protect fry

Rummy Nose Tetras can be bred successfully with patience and careful water management.

Why Choose Rummy Nose Tetras?

• Bright red nose and striking tail pattern

• Peaceful, active, and highly social

• Excellent for shoaling and planted community tanks

• Hardy, adaptable, and visually captivating

Rummy Nose Tetras are a classic, attractive addition for any tropical aquarium, providing both colour and lively shoaling behaviour.