Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Minimum Tank
20 Gallons
Adult Size
2.5 inches
Temperature
75-84°F (24-29°C)
pH Range
5.5-7.0
Lifespan
6 years
School Size
8+ fish
About Rummy Nose Tetra
The rummy-nose tetra is a sleek, torpedo-shaped schooling fish from the blackwater rivers of the Amazon basin. It is instantly recognizable by its brilliant red nose and face, which extends from the mouth to just behind the gill cover, contrasted with a distinctly striped black-and-white tail. The intensity of the red nose coloring serves as a reliable indicator of water quality and fish health, fading noticeably when conditions deteriorate. Rummy-nose tetras are considered one of the tightest schooling fish in the hobby, swimming in remarkably synchronized formations that rival marine species. This makes them a top choice for aquascaping enthusiasts seeking dramatic schooling effects.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 20-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 75-84°F (24-29°C)
- • pH: 5.5 - 7.0
- • Category: Tetra
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Rummy-nose tetras need stable, clean water with low nitrates to maintain their vivid red nose coloring. Keep them in groups of at least ten for the best schooling behavior in soft, slightly acidic water at 75-82°F. They are more sensitive to water quality than many tetras, so perform consistent weekly water changes and avoid adding them to uncycled tanks. Their red nose serves as a living water quality test: if it fades, check your parameters immediately. Provide moderate flow and open swimming areas along with planted sections for security. Feed varied foods including quality flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen daphnia.
Quick Facts
76L
Min Tank (20gal)
6cm
Adult Size (2.5")
6yr
Lifespan
8+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Rummy Nose Tetra
Related Species You Might Like
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
Tank Mates for Rummy Nose Tetra
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus sp.
moderate · 10+ gal
Sterbai Corydoras
Corydoras sterbai
easy · 15+ gal
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
moderate · 15+ gal
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
moderate · 5+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Rummy Nose Tetra need?
A Rummy Nose Tetra needs a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (76 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 8.
What water parameters does a Rummy Nose Tetra need?
Rummy Nose Tetra thrive in water between 75-84°F (24-29°C) with a pH of 5.5-7.0.
Are Rummy Nose Tetra easy to care for?
Rummy Nose Tetra are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 6 years.
How big do Rummy Nose Tetra get and what do they eat?
Rummy Nose Tetra reach about 2.5 inches and are omnivores. Rummy-nose tetras need stable, clean water with low nitrates to maintain their vivid red nose coloring. Keep them in groups of at least ten for the best schooling behavior in soft, slightly acidic water at 75-82°F. They are more sensitive to water quality than many tetras, so perform consistent weekly water changes and avoid adding them to uncycled tanks. Their red nose serves as a living water quality test: if it fades, check your parameters immediately. Provide moderate flow and open swimming areas along with planted sections for security. Feed varied foods including quality flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen daphnia.