Here’s a straightforward care guide for the Rummy-Nose Tetra, a popular and striking schooling fish known for its red nose and striped tail.
Rummy-Nose Tetra Care Guide
Common Names:
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Rummy-Nose Tetra
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Red Nose Tetra
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Firehead Tetra
Scientific Names (3 common species sold under this name):
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Hemigrammus rhodostomus
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Hemigrammus bleheri (most common in the hobby)
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Petitella georgiae
Origin: Amazon Basin (Brazil, Colombia, Peru)
Size: 1.75–2 inches (4.5–5 cm)
Lifespan: 5–6 years
Temperament: Peaceful, tightly schooling
Tank Setup
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Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum (for a school of 6–10); 30+ recommended for larger groups
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Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
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Decor: Driftwood, leaf litter, smooth stones, plants
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Plants: Thrive in planted tanks—floating plants help reduce light intensity
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Lighting: Low to moderate (prefer shaded, dim areas)
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
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pH: 5.5–7.0
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Hardness: Soft to moderately soft (1–8 dGH)
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Filtration: Gentle flow with excellent water quality
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Water Changes: 30–50% weekly—sensitive to nitrates and swings
Diet
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Feeding Style: Micro-predator, omnivorous
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Staple Foods:
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High-quality micro pellets or flakes
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Frozen/live foods (daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp)
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Crushed freeze-dried options
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Feeding Frequency: 1–2 small meals daily
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Note: Small mouths—offer appropriately sized food
Behavior & Tankmates
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Social Needs: Must be kept in groups of at least 6; 10–20 is better
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Behavior: Peaceful, schooling, very active
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Good Tankmates:
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Other peaceful tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, Apistogramma
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Avoid: Fin-nippers, aggressive species, or anything much larger
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Bonus: Their nose color fades under stress or poor conditions, so they’re natural water quality indicators
Breeding
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In Captivity: Possible but difficult
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Spawning Type: Egg scatterer
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Requirements: Separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water and dim lighting
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Parental Care: None—remove adults post-spawn
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Fry Feeding: Infusoria, then baby brine shrimp
Care Tips
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Keep them in groups—they are skittish and stressed when alone
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Stable, clean water is key—they react fast to poor conditions
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Add tannins or leaf litter to mimic their natural blackwater habitat
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Great for peaceful community or biotope setups
Let me know if you'd like this care sheet paired with other small South American schooling fish or formatted for printing.
