Rummynose Tetra

About the Rummy Nose Tetra

The Rummy Nose Tetra is one of the most iconic schooling fish in the freshwater aquarium hobby, instantly recognised by its brilliant cherry-red face, shimmering silver body, and distinctive black-and-white striped tail. Native to the Amazon River Basin in Brazil, Venezuela, and neighbouring regions, this elegant species is renowned for its incredibly tight schooling behaviour, making it one of the most impressive fish to keep in large planted aquariums.

Unlike many schooling fish that spread throughout the aquarium, Rummy Nose Tetras swim in synchronised groups, creating a mesmerising display as they move together through the water. Their vivid red nose is also an excellent indicator of health—healthy fish display a vibrant crimson head, while stress or poor water quality may cause the colour to fade temporarily.

Rummy Nose Tetras thrive in mature, well-maintained aquariums with dense planting, driftwood, leaf litter, gentle water flow, and open swimming areas. They should always be kept in schools of at least 10, with groups of 20 or more producing an unforgettable natural display. Their peaceful temperament makes them ideal companions for Discus, Angelfish, Corydoras, Rams, Apistogramma, Cardinal Tetras, Pencilfish, Hatchetfish, and other peaceful South American species.

A varied diet of premium nano pellets, tropical flakes, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, mosquito larvae, and other quality live or frozen foods will keep them healthy while enhancing their vibrant colours.

Peaceful, elegant, and one of the finest schooling fish available, the Rummy Nose Tetra is a must-have for planted aquariums and Amazon biotope displays.

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Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Common Name

Rummy Nose Tetra

Origin

Amazon Basin (Brazil and Venezuela)

Adult Size

4.5–5 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

75 Litres

Temperature

24–29°C

pH

5.5–7.0

Water Hardness

1–8 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner to Intermediate

Lifespan

5–8 Years

Suitable For

Planted aquariums, Amazon biotopes, Discus aquariums, and peaceful community tanks

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many Rummy Nose Tetras should I keep?

Rummy Nose Tetras are true schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least 10. Schools of 20 or more create one of the most spectacular schooling displays in the aquarium hobby.

Why is my Rummy Nose Tetra's nose losing its red colour?

A pale or faded nose is usually a sign of stress, poor water quality, transport, or illness. Once conditions improve, healthy fish typically regain their vibrant red colour.

What do Rummy Nose Tetras eat?

They thrive on premium nano pellets, quality tropical flakes, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other small live or frozen foods.

Can Rummy Nose Tetras live with Discus?

Yes. They are considered one of the best schooling companions for Discus because both species enjoy warm, soft, slightly acidic water.

Can Rummy Nose Tetras live with shrimp?

Yes. Adult Cherry Shrimp and Amano Shrimp are generally safe, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

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Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small schools

Rummy Nose Tetras become nervous and lose their spectacular schooling behaviour when kept in small groups.

Adding them to immature aquariums

They are sensitive to unstable water conditions and should only be introduced to mature, fully cycled aquariums.

Poor water quality

Excellent filtration, regular water changes, and stable water parameters are essential for maintaining healthy fish and bright red noses.

Feeding only dry foods

A varied diet including frozen and live foods enhances colouration, immune health, and overall vitality.

Housing them with aggressive fish

Choose peaceful community species that won't harass or prey on these elegant schooling fish.

About the Rummy Nose Tetra

The Rummy Nose Tetra is one of the most iconic schooling fish in the freshwater aquarium hobby, instantly recognised by its brilliant cherry-red face, shimmering silver body, and distinctive black-and-white striped tail. Native to the Amazon River Basin in Brazil, Venezuela, and neighbouring regions, this elegant species is renowned for its incredibly tight schooling behaviour, making it one of the most impressive fish to keep in large planted aquariums.

Unlike many schooling fish that spread throughout the aquarium, Rummy Nose Tetras swim in synchronised groups, creating a mesmerising display as they move together through the water. Their vivid red nose is also an excellent indicator of health—healthy fish display a vibrant crimson head, while stress or poor water quality may cause the colour to fade temporarily.

Rummy Nose Tetras thrive in mature, well-maintained aquariums with dense planting, driftwood, leaf litter, gentle water flow, and open swimming areas. They should always be kept in schools of at least 10, with groups of 20 or more producing an unforgettable natural display. Their peaceful temperament makes them ideal companions for Discus, Angelfish, Corydoras, Rams, Apistogramma, Cardinal Tetras, Pencilfish, Hatchetfish, and other peaceful South American species.

A varied diet of premium nano pellets, tropical flakes, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, mosquito larvae, and other quality live or frozen foods will keep them healthy while enhancing their vibrant colours.

Peaceful, elegant, and one of the finest schooling fish available, the Rummy Nose Tetra is a must-have for planted aquariums and Amazon biotope displays.

---

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Common Name

Rummy Nose Tetra

Origin

Amazon Basin (Brazil and Venezuela)

Adult Size

4.5–5 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

75 Litres

Temperature

24–29°C

pH

5.5–7.0

Water Hardness

1–8 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner to Intermediate

Lifespan

5–8 Years

Suitable For

Planted aquariums, Amazon biotopes, Discus aquariums, and peaceful community tanks

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Rummy Nose Tetras should I keep?

Rummy Nose Tetras are true schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least 10. Schools of 20 or more create one of the most spectacular schooling displays in the aquarium hobby.

Why is my Rummy Nose Tetra's nose losing its red colour?

A pale or faded nose is usually a sign of stress, poor water quality, transport, or illness. Once conditions improve, healthy fish typically regain their vibrant red colour.

What do Rummy Nose Tetras eat?

They thrive on premium nano pellets, quality tropical flakes, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other small live or frozen foods.

Can Rummy Nose Tetras live with Discus?

Yes. They are considered one of the best schooling companions for Discus because both species enjoy warm, soft, slightly acidic water.

Can Rummy Nose Tetras live with shrimp?

Yes. Adult Cherry Shrimp and Amano Shrimp are generally safe, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

---

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small schools

Rummy Nose Tetras become nervous and lose their spectacular schooling behaviour when kept in small groups.

Adding them to immature aquariums

They are sensitive to unstable water conditions and should only be introduced to mature, fully cycled aquariums.

Poor water quality

Excellent filtration, regular water changes, and stable water parameters are essential for maintaining healthy fish and bright red noses.

Feeding only dry foods

A varied diet including frozen and live foods enhances colouration, immune health, and overall vitality.

Housing them with aggressive fish

Choose peaceful community species that won't harass or prey on these elegant schooling fish.