False Rummynose Tetra Care Guide
Petitella georgiae, the false rummynose, is a slim red-headed characin from the Rio Purus and other basins, widely traded as a rummynose substitute.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Petitella georgiae, the false rummynose, is a slim characin whose red head colour stops near the gill plate. It is widely traded as a substitute for the true rummynose and is distinguished by a broader lateral line running into the body.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae (order Characiformes)
- Genus: Petitella
- Scientific name: Petitella georgiae
Habitat
Seriously Fish records the species from the Rio Purus in Peru and Brazil, and from the Rio Negro and Rio Madeira in Brazil, mainly in clear-water tributaries and small rivers.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (Seriously Fish suggests a base length of at least 90 cm)
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (Seriously Fish reports 22-26 °C)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 1-8 °dGH (Seriously Fish 1-12 dH)
- Maximum size: about 5 cm (Seriously Fish)
- School size: 10 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 5-7 years
Diet
It is omnivorous with a small mouth; Seriously Fish recommends finely ground dried foods plus small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia or Artemia.
Compatibility
A very peaceful, tight-schooling fish, it should be kept in groups of at least 10 and does not compete well with boisterous or much larger tankmates. It suits Cardinal tetras, discus and angelfish; aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
Seriously Fish describes it as moderately difficult to breed, preferring soft, acidic water around pH 5.5-6.5; eggs hatch in about 24-36 hours and fry require infusoria initially.
False Rummynose Tetra (Petitella georgiae) Breeding Guide
Overview
Petitella georgiae, the false rummynose, is found in the Rio Purus, Rio Negro and Rio Madeira of Peru and Brazil, reaching about 5 cm. Seriously Fish notes that it can be quite tricky to breed, and it is an egg-scattering species with no parental care.
Sexing
Mature females are noticeably rounder in the body than males, most obvious when they are conditioned and carrying eggs.
Conditioning
Condition the fish well with plenty of small live foods. Spawning can be attempted in groups of half a dozen per sex or in pairs. General care parameters are 22-26 C, pH 5.5-7.0 and hardness 1-12 dH.
Breeding Setup
Seriously Fish recommends an 18 x 10 x 10 inch tank kept very dimly lit, with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, or a mesh base that lets eggs fall through but blocks adult access. Spawning water should be pH 5.5-6.5, gH 1-5 at 75-80 F, with peat filtration and RO water recommended.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
For pair spawning, fish are transferred in the evening and should spawn the following morning. The soft, acidic, peat-filtered conditions act as the trigger.
Egg & Fry Care
Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours and fry become free-swimming 3-4 days later. The eggs and fry are light-sensitive in the early stages, so the tank should be kept in darkness if possible. First food is an infusoria-type food, progressing to microworm or brine shrimp nauplii.