Rummy Nose Tetra

The Rummy Nose Tetra is a common name for three closely related species, all known for their incredibly bright red noses and patterned tails: Hemigrammus rhodostomus, Hemigrammus bleheri, and Petitella georgiae. They are popular for their tight schooling behavior and their reputation as a “canary in the coal mine”—if they lose the brilliant red color in their faces, it’s a sure sign of poor water quality or stress.

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Rummy Nose Tetra Care Guide

 

 

Tank Setup and Water Parameters

 

Rummy Nose Tetras are sensitive to sudden changes, meaning they should only be added to a fully cycled and mature tank with stable parameters.

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (long) is the absolute minimum for a school. They are highly active and need length for their natural schooling and darting behaviors.
• Schooling: Keep them in large schools of at least 8–12 individuals. A large group reduces stress and maximizes their visual appeal.
• Temperature: They prefer warm water: 75°–82° F (24°–28° C). This makes them good tank mates for Discus and German Blue Rams.
• pH Level: Soft and slightly acidic water is ideal: 5.5 to 7.0. Peat filtration or driftwood is often used to achieve this.
• Water Quality: Pristine water is non-negotiable. They are very intolerant of ammonia, nitrite, and high nitrates. Perform regular weekly water changes (25-50%).

 

Habitat and Environment

 

Their coloring, especially the red nose, is brightest when they feel secure in a dimly lit, natural setup.

• Lighting: They prefer subdued lighting. Use floating plants, tall background plants, and a dark substrate to mimic their shaded blackwater habitat.
• Decor: Decorate with dense plants (leaving open swimming space in the center), driftwood, and leaf litter (like Indian almond leaves).
• Jumping: They are jumpers, especially when startled, so a tight-fitting lid is necessary.

 

Diet and Feeding

 

Rummy Nose Tetras are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates and plant matter in the wild.

• Staple Diet: High-quality, small flake food or slow-sinking micro-pellets.
• Supplementation: Their health and red nose color are enhanced by a varied diet, including small, meaty foods:
  • Frozen or live Baby Brine Shrimp
  • Frozen or live Daphnia
  • Frozen or live Bloodworms (chopped)
• Feeding Schedule: Feed small amounts 2-3 times per day, ensuring they finish the food quickly.

 

Compatibility

 

They are peaceful and make great community fish, but their delicate nature means they should only be housed with calm tank mates.

• Good Tank Mates: Other small, peaceful tetras (like Neon or Cardinal), Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, Dwarf Cichlids (Rams), and non-aggressive livebearers.
• Avoid: Large, fast-swimming, or aggressive fish that will stress them or outcompete them for food.