Rummynose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Characidae
About
The rummynose tetra is a slender, silver characin from the lower Amazon basin, instantly recognised by its blood-red nose and the bold black-and-white barred tail. It is one of the tightest shoaling fish in the hobby, moving as a single coordinated body when kept in good numbers. Famously sensitive to water quality, its crimson snout fades the moment conditions slip, making it a living indicator that rewards a mature, stable, soft-water aquarium. Note that most fish sold under this name are actually H. bleheri; true H. rhodostomus shows red only up to the gill covers.
Care
Keep a shoal of 8+ (ideally 10+) in a mature, stable tank at least 90 cm long, with soft, slightly acidic water and gentle flow. A faded nose signals stress or poor water quality.
Diet
Omnivorous micro-feeder with a small mouth; feed fine dry foods plus regular frozen and live micro-foods, with krill-rich foods to deepen the red nose.
Tankmate compatibility
Gets along with (2)
Possible with care (84)
Avoid (23)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.