Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Small elegant Amazonian tetra recognizable by its bright red head and zebra-striped caudal fin. Gregarious fish that must live in groups of at least 10-12 individuals, ideally 15 or more. Its red coloration is an excellent indicator of water quality: it fades when stressed or in unsuitable parameters. Sensitive to variations, it requires careful maintenance.
Parameters
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Min volume
- 120 L
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 5.5–7
- Hardness (GH)
- 2–10 °GH
- Carbonate hardness (KH)
- 1–4 °KH
- Adult size
- 5 cm
- Lifespan
- 5 years
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- paisible
- Difficulty
- intermédiaire
Environment
Planted aquarium of at least 120 liters for a school of 12 individuals. Prefers soft and slightly acidic water (pH 5.5-7, GH 2-10, low KH). Temperature 24-28 °C, ideally 25-26 °C. Appreciates moderate current, efficient filtration and regular water changes (20-30% weekly). Subdued lighting with shaded areas (floating plants). Decor: driftwood, Catappa leaves, dark substrate. Excellent swimmer that occupies the middle zone and requires open swimming space. Sensitive to nitrates (keep < 20 mg/L).
Feeding
Omnivore. In aquarium, accepts quality flakes and pellets. For good balance and optimal coloration, vary with live or frozen foods: bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, cyclops, microworms. Distribute 2 to 3 small daily rations. In nature, consumes zooplankton, micro-invertebrates and small insects.
Health & common diseases
The Rummy Nose Tetra is susceptible to parasitic diseases such as ichthyophthirius (white spot) and oodinium (velvet), as well as fin rot in case of stress or poor water quality. Symptoms to watch for include loss of bright red coloration on the head (excellent indicator of stress or disease), clamped fins, erratic swimming and isolation from the group. Perfectly maintained water (0 nitrites, low nitrates), stable parameters and a constant temperature of 24-26°C are essential to prevent pathologies, as this species is particularly vulnerable to sudden variations.
Tips & tankmates
Compatibility: peaceful, perfect with other small Characids (Paracheirodon, Hyphessobrycon), Corydoras, small Loricariidae, shrimp. Avoid predators and large boisterous fish. Warning: very sensitive to stress, sudden parameter changes and pollution (ammonia, nitrites, high nitrates). Never introduce into an uncycled tank. Tight schools and spectacular synchronized behavior. Breeding possible in dedicated aquarium, very soft and acidic water required. Do not confuse with Petitella georgiae (firehead tetra) and Hemigrammus bleheri, very similar species.
Sources
- Seriously Fish - Hemigrammus rhodostomus
- Fishbase - Hemigrammus rhodostomus
- Atlas de l'aquarium, H.A. Baensch & R. Riehl
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