Rummynose Tetra Care Guide (Hemigrammus rhodostomus): The Ultimate Schooling Fish
Few fish school as tightly or as beautifully as the Rummynose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus). With its bright red nose, silver body, and boldly striped black-and-white tail, a large group moving in perfect unison is one of the most impressive sights in the aquarium hobby. This guide covers how to keep them healthy and looking their best.
Quick care overview
- Adult size: about 2 inches (5 cm)
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons for a proper school
- Temperature: 75–82°F
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- Temperament: peaceful, schooling
- Diet: omnivore
- Lifespan: 5–6 years
The red nose is a health gauge
One of the rummynose tetra's most useful traits is that its red nose acts as a living water-quality indicator. In clean, stable, well-oxygenated water the nose glows a vivid red. If the color fades or turns pale, it is often an early sign of stress, poor water quality, or a not-fully-cycled tank. Watching their color is a handy way to catch problems early.
Tank setup
Rummynose tetras are sensitive to water quality, so they belong in a mature, fully cycled tank. Provide plenty of open swimming space in the middle of the aquarium along with planted areas for security. Darker substrate and a planted backdrop bring out their color—browse live aquarium plants for their setup. Keep parameters stable and stay on top of maintenance; our water change guide covers the routine that keeps them thriving.
Water parameters
They do best in soft, slightly acidic to neutral water that stays warm and stable. Because they are less forgiving than hardier tetras, avoid adding them to a brand-new tank. Consistency matters more than hitting an exact number.
Diet and feeding
Rummynose tetras are easy to feed. A quality flake or micro-pellet works as a staple, and regular frozen or live foods like daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp bring out the deepest red coloration. Feed small amounts once or twice daily.
Behavior and schooling
This is a species where group size truly matters. Keep at least 8–10, and larger groups of 15 or more produce the dramatic, tightly synchronized schooling this fish is famous for. In small numbers they lose color and become skittish.
Tank mates
Peaceful and social, rummynose tetras make excellent community fish. Pair them with other calm species such as small tetras and rasboras, corydoras, dwarf cichlids, and peaceful gouramis. Avoid large or aggressive tank mates. For more schooling-fish tips, see our tetra care basics and complete guide to freshwater tetras.
Is the rummynose tetra right for you?
If you have a stable, established tank and want the most impressive schooling display in the hobby, the rummynose tetra delivers. Get a big group going and enjoy the show. Find them among our freshwater fish.