True Rummynose Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri) Breeding Guide

Hemigrammus bleheri spawns in dark, soft, acidic water; eggs and fry are light-sensitive, hatching in 24-36 hours with fry free-swimming in 3-4 days.

Overview

Hemigrammus bleheri, the true or Bleher's rummynose, comes from the Rio Meta and Rio Negro in Colombia and Brazil and reaches about 5 cm. Seriously Fish documents both group and pair spawning methods for this egg-scattering species, which does not guard its eggs.

Sexing

Mature females are noticeably rounder in the body than males. This difference is clearest when females are conditioned and carrying eggs.

Conditioning

For group spawning, condition half a dozen specimens of each sex on live and frozen foods. For pair spawning, condition males and females separately on high-quality frozen and live foods at 75-78 F before pairing.

Breeding Setup

Seriously Fish recommends an 18 x 12 x 12 inch tank with dim lighting and fine-leaved plants such as java moss, spawning mops, or a mesh base. For pair spawning, transfer the fish to a tank at 82-86 F with the pH on the acidic side. General care parameters are 23-26 C, pH 5.5-7.0 and hardness 2-15 dH.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

Warmer, more acidic water triggers spawning. Adults will consume the eggs and should be removed at the first opportunity once the spawn is laid.

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 of life. First food is an infusoria-type food until the fry are large enough for microworms or brine shrimp nauplii.