Rummy Nose Tetra

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Hemigrammus rhodostomus
• Common Name: Rummy Nose Tetra
• Adult Size: 1.75 to 2 inches (4.5 – 5 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 5 to 6 years
• Habitat: Native to South America, particularly the Amazon River Basin in Brazil and Venezuela. Inhabits slow-moving waters, blackwater streams, and densely vegetated areas.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (for a school of 6 or more)
• Ideal Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
• pH Range: 5.5–7.0
• Water Hardness: 2–8 dGH
• Temperament: Peaceful and social – ideal for community tanks. Should be kept in schools of 6 or more to thrive and feel secure.

Diet & Nutrition

Omnivorous – they eat:

• High-quality flake or micro pellet food
• Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms

• Will occasionally graze on algae or soft plant matter

Feed once or twice daily in small amounts they can consume in a few minutes.

Breeding & Spawning

• Breeding Type: Egg scatterers
• Spawning Conditions: Soft, acidic water with dim lighting
• Behavior: Males chase females; eggs are scattered among fine-leaved plants
• Egg Hatch Time: ~24 hours

• Fry Care: Initially feed infusoria, then move to baby brine shrimp or micro worms

Breeding can be tricky; separation from adults post-spawning is recommended to prevent egg/fry predation.

Appearance

• Body Shape: Slender, torpedo-shaped

• Coloration:

  • Bright red nose and face
  • Silver body

  • Distinctive black and white striped tail fin

• Fins: Mostly translucent except for the patterned tail

Distinctive Features

• Signature “rummy” red nose (health indicator: fades when stressed or ill)
• Eye-catching striped tail fin
• Tight schooling behavior – moves in synchronized groups
• Very peaceful, ideal for planted and community tanks

• Sensitive to water quality – prefers stable, clean environments