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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.
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Rummy Nose Tetra
Amazon Basin (Brazil and Venezuela)
4.5–5 cm
Peaceful
Omnivore
75 Litres
24–29°C
5.5–7.0
1–8 dGH
Beginner to Intermediate
5–8 Years
Planted aquariums, Amazon biotopes, Discus aquariums, and peaceful community tanks
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.
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.
They thrive on premium nano pellets, quality tropical flakes, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other small live or frozen foods.
Yes. They are considered one of the best schooling companions for Discus because both species enjoy warm, soft, slightly acidic water.
Yes. Adult Cherry Shrimp and Amano Shrimp are generally safe, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.
Rummy Nose Tetras become nervous and lose their spectacular schooling behaviour when kept in small groups.
They are sensitive to unstable water conditions and should only be introduced to mature, fully cycled aquariums.
Excellent filtration, regular water changes, and stable water parameters are essential for maintaining healthy fish and bright red noses.
A varied diet including frozen and live foods enhances colouration, immune health, and overall vitality.
Choose peaceful community species that won't harass or prey on these elegant schooling fish.
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.
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Rummy Nose Tetra
Amazon Basin (Brazil and Venezuela)
4.5–5 cm
Peaceful
Omnivore
75 Litres
24–29°C
5.5–7.0
1–8 dGH
Beginner to Intermediate
5–8 Years
Planted aquariums, Amazon biotopes, Discus aquariums, and peaceful community tanks
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.
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.
They thrive on premium nano pellets, quality tropical flakes, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other small live or frozen foods.
Yes. They are considered one of the best schooling companions for Discus because both species enjoy warm, soft, slightly acidic water.
Yes. Adult Cherry Shrimp and Amano Shrimp are generally safe, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.
Rummy Nose Tetras become nervous and lose their spectacular schooling behaviour when kept in small groups.
They are sensitive to unstable water conditions and should only be introduced to mature, fully cycled aquariums.
Excellent filtration, regular water changes, and stable water parameters are essential for maintaining healthy fish and bright red noses.
A varied diet including frozen and live foods enhances colouration, immune health, and overall vitality.
Choose peaceful community species that won't harass or prey on these elegant schooling fish.
Livestock is dispatched with heat/cool packs and oxygen from our Melbourne facility, timed for the safest transit. Live arrivals may be scheduled for the best shipping window. A live arrival guarantee applies - contact us within the required window if anything is not right.
We stand behind everything we sell. If something is not right, get in touch and we will make it right. See our returns policy for the details.
This fish has been through our dedicated quarantine system and is feeding, settled and health-checked before sale. We still recommend acclimating slowly and quarantining new additions at home. Our team is happy to talk you through the right setup - just ask.
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