Rummy Nose Tetra care guide
Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) — minimum tank 75 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 5.5-7. Peaceful middle-water species.
Overview
The Rummy-nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) is a slim South American characid recognised by a vivid red head and a tail patterned with bold black and white bands. The species is famed for forming extremely tight, coordinated schools and the intensity of the red colouration is widely used as a visual indicator of water quality.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hemigrammus
- Scientific name: Hemigrammus rhodostomus
- Common synonyms: Rummynose Tetra
Habitat
Native to the lower Amazon basin in the Brazilian state of Pará, where it inhabits soft, mineral-poor blackwater stretches stained by humic acids from decaying leaf litter. The species occupies mid and lower water layers in shaded forested streams.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 75 L (19.8 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-5 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-8 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- School size: ≥8 individuals
Diet
A micropredator and opportunistic omnivore. In aquaria a varied diet of micro-pellets, crushed flakes and small frozen foods (daphnia, cyclops, baby brine shrimp) maintains colour and condition. Feed twice daily in small portions.
Compatibility
A peaceful mid-water schooling species. Maintain in a group of at least eight to enable natural shoaling. Suitable companions include Cardinal Tetra, peaceful Corydoras, calm Angelfish, Discus and other soft-water community species. Avoid boisterous fin-nipping species such as Tiger Barb.
Breeding
Spawning is challenging in captivity and requires soft, acidic water and stable parameters across the parents' life cycle. Eggs are highly sensitive to bacterial and fungal infection; fry develop slowly and require infusoria for the first weeks before moving to microworms.