Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri) – 3–3.5 inches

🐠 Species Overview

The Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri) is a small, peaceful, and active freshwater fish native to the Rio Negro and Rio Meta basins in South America. It is instantly recognizable by its bright red nose, silver body, and striking black-and-white striped tail. These tetras are schooling fish that display their best colors and behavior when kept in groups of 6 or more.

🏡 Aquarium Setup & Care Instructions

Tank Size & Environment

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) for a small school.

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand to mimic natural riverbeds.

• Decor: Heavily planted tanks with driftwood, rocks, and floating plants provide shelter and soft lighting to enhance their colors.

• Water Parameters: Temperature 74–82°F (23–28°C), pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard water.

• Filtration: Gentle filtration is preferred to maintain clean, oxygenated water without strong currents.

Behavior & Tankmates

• Peaceful and social; should be kept in schools of at least 6 to reduce stress.

• Compatible with other small, peaceful fish such as Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Corydoras, and small rasboras.

Diet

• Omnivorous. Feed a mix of high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.