Rummy-nose tetra

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Family : Characidae

FishFreshwaterTetra

Small peaceful tetra with a bright red nose, very popular in aquariums for its active schooling and distinctive coloration.

Rummy-nose tetra — photo 1 sur 2
Gavinevans · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 2
Popularity
Community fish
classic in freshwater aquarium
Availability
Common in shops
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
South America
Hors bassin amazonien : Paraná, Orénoque, Andes.

Description

The rummy-nose tetra has a slender silver body, a bright red head, and a black-and-white striped tail. It reaches about 5 cm in adulthood. It is a schooling fish that lives in tight groups and becomes shy if kept in small numbers. Its red nose intensifies in well-maintained water and in the presence of conspecifics. It is sensitive to water quality and stress. In the aquarium, it enjoys shaded areas and dense vegetation.

Habitat

Region :

Blackwater streams, acidic soft water, flooded forest areas

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2428 °C
pH5.57
GH18 °dGH
KH15 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
2/5
Diet
Omnivore
Min. tank
60 L
Min. group
6
Adult size
5 cm
Lifespan
5 years
Temperament
Paisible
Propagation

Care notes

Keep a group of at least 6 individuals in a minimum 60 L aquarium. Water should be soft and acidic (pH 5.5–7.0, GH 1–8, KH 1–5) with a temperature of 24–28 °C. Gentle filtration and subdued lighting are recommended. The omnivorous diet accepts flakes, micro-pellets, and live or frozen foods. Avoid overly active or aggressive tankmates. Regular water changes are essential to maintain the red nose color. This species is sensitive to diseases if parameters fluctuate.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References