Rummy-Nose Tetra – Hemigrammus rhodostomus – 2.5 to 3 cm

Rummy-Nose Tetra – Hemigrammus rhodostomus

The Rummy-Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) is a small South American fish particularly appreciated for its appearance and strong shoaling behaviour. It is easily recognised by its bright red head, which contrasts with its silvery body and distinctive black-and-white striped tail.

The specimens offered here are approximately 2.5 to 3 cm.

Adult Size

The Rummy-Nose Tetra generally reaches around 4 to 5 cm as an adult.

Water Parameters

This species appreciates soft to moderately mineralised water that is slightly acidic to neutral.

Temperature: 22 to 28 °C
pH: 6 to 7.5
KH: 2 to 10 °dKH
Nitrite: 0 mg/L

Nitrite should remain undetectable. Clean, stable and properly filtered water is particularly important for this species.

What Size Aquarium for Rummy-Nose Tetras?

The Rummy-Nose Tetra is an active swimmer that displays its natural behaviour best when provided with sufficient swimming length. A planted aquarium with plenty of open swimming space is particularly suitable.

An aquarium at least 60 cm long can provide a suitable basis for a small shoal, although a larger aquarium is preferable for keeping a bigger group.

Behaviour and Shoaling

The Rummy-Nose Tetra is a peaceful and strongly sociable fish. It should be kept in a group and is not suitable for solitary keeping.

A shoal of at least 10 individuals is recommended. When aquarium size allows, a larger group is even better and allows its particularly distinctive shoaling behaviour to be observed.

Feeding

In the wild, the Rummy-Nose Tetra feeds on small invertebrates, larvae and other small food organisms.

In the aquarium, it readily accepts a varied diet suitable for its small mouth, including micro-pellets, finely crushed flakes and small frozen or live foods such as Artemia and Daphnia.

Breeding

The Rummy-Nose Tetra is an egg-laying fish. The eggs are scattered amongst vegetation or over the substrate.

Breeding in the aquarium is possible but requires suitable conditions, particularly very soft and slightly acidic water. The adults provide no parental care and may eat the eggs.

Origin

Hemigrammus rhodostomus originates from South America, particularly the lower Amazon and Orinoco river basins.

Lifespan

The Rummy-Nose Tetra can live for approximately 5 years, and sometimes longer, when kept under suitable aquarium conditions.

Never Release Aquarium Fish into the Wild

Rummy-Nose Tetras must never be released into a river, pond, lake or any other natural environment.