Rummy-Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus · family Characidae
Also: Red-Nose Tetra
Parameters
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 5.5–7
- Hardness
- 2–10 °dGH
- Tank volume
- from 80 L
- Maximum size
- up to 5 cm
- Group size
- min 8, ideal 15
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 4–6 years
Description
The Rummy-Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) is famous for holding the tightest, most synchronized schooling formation of any freshwater tetra and acting as a living water-quality indicator: its crimson snout glows bright red in pristine soft water but fades pale within minutes if ammonia, nitrite, or pH fluctuates.
Care
Keep a school of at least 10–15 fish in a long 80+ liter tank (minimum 80 cm length for swimming room) with soft, acidic water (pH 5.5–7.0, GH 2–10). Always drip-acclimate new Rummy-Nose Tetras slowly.
Feeding
Fine micro-granules, crushed flakes, frozen cyclops, daphnia, and baby brine shrimp.
Breeding
Egg-scatterers among dense Java moss in very soft, dim acidic water (GH 1–4, pH 5.5–6.2).
Compatibility
- Discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Лучшая стайная рыба для аквариума с дискусами: переносит 28–30 °C и сигнализирует о качестве воды. / The premier schooling tetra for Discus tanks, tolerating 28–30 °C and signaling water quality.
Good
FAQ
- Why did my Rummy-Nose Tetras lose their red nose color?
- Temporary fading after transport or water changes is normal stress and resolves within 24 hours. Persistent paleness warns of elevated ammonia/nitrite or unstable pH.
Goldie editorial team
Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication
Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians
Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown
Sources
- FishBase: Hemigrammus rhodostomus · FishBase · 2026-05-22
- Seriously Fish: Hemigrammus rhodostomus · Seriously Fish · 2026-05-22