Brilliant Rummynose Tetra – Hemigrammus bleheri
The Brilliant Rummynose Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri) is one of the most impressive freshwater schooling fish in the aquarium hobby. Known for its bright red head, silver body, and bold black-and-white striped tail, this peaceful tetra creates a stunning synchronized display when kept in groups.
Brilliant Rummynose Tetras are especially popular for planted aquariums and aquascapes because of their tight schooling behavior and active midwater swimming. Their bright red coloration stands out beautifully against live plants, driftwood, darker backgrounds, and natural aquarium decor.
Key Features
- Bright red head with silver body
- Bold black-and-white striped tail
- One of the best schooling fish for visual impact
- Peaceful freshwater community fish
- Excellent for planted aquariums and aquascapes
- Best kept in groups of 6–10 or more
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Hemigrammus bleheri
- Common Name: Brilliant Rummynose Tetra
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: Approximately 2–2.5 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger recommended
- Tank Level: Midwater
- Water Temperature: 74–82°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Brilliant Rummynose Tetras?
Brilliant Rummynose Tetras are prized for their tight schooling behavior and strong visual impact. A healthy group moves together through the aquarium, creating a clean, coordinated display that works beautifully in planted tanks and aquascaped layouts.
Their red head coloration can fade when fish are stressed, newly introduced, or kept in poor water conditions. Bright coloration is often a good sign that the fish are comfortable and the aquarium is stable.
Ideal Tank Setup
Brilliant Rummynose Tetras do best in a mature, stable aquarium with clean water, open swimming space, and areas of cover. Live plants, driftwood, floating plants, and darker substrate help them feel secure while enhancing their red and silver coloration.
Because Rummynose Tetras can be more sensitive than some beginner tetras, stable water parameters and regular maintenance are important. Keep them in groups of at least 6–10 or more for best confidence, color, and schooling behavior.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other peaceful tetras
- Small rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Otocinclus
- Peaceful dwarf cichlids with caution
- Small peaceful gouramis
- Peaceful livebearers
- Shrimp with proper cover
- Snails
Tankmates to Avoid
- Aggressive cichlids
- Large predatory fish
- Fin-nipping species
- Overly boisterous fish that may outcompete them
- Fish that require very different water conditions
Diet & Feeding
Brilliant Rummynose Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of small aquarium foods. Feed high-quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support strong color, activity, and overall health. Feed small portions that the group can consume quickly.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6–10 or more
- Use a mature, stable aquarium
- Maintain clean, well-filtered water
- Provide open swimming space with planted areas for cover
- Avoid aggressive or overly active tankmates
- Feed a varied diet for best color and health
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Brilliant Rummynose Tetras should I keep together?
Keep them in groups of at least 6–10 or more. Larger schools usually show better schooling behavior, confidence, and visual impact.
Are Brilliant Rummynose Tetras good for beginners?
They are best for aquarists with stable, established aquariums because they prefer clean water and consistent parameters.
Why is my Rummynose Tetra losing its red color?
Faded red coloration can be a sign of stress, poor water quality, recent transport, or unstable conditions. Check water parameters and make sure the fish have peaceful tankmates and a proper group.
Do Brilliant Rummynose Tetras need plants?
They do not require live plants, but they thrive in planted aquariums with cover, shaded areas, and open swimming space.
Are Brilliant Rummynose Tetras peaceful?
Yes. They are peaceful schooling fish that do well in calm freshwater community aquariums.
What do Brilliant Rummynose Tetras eat?
They eat quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for health and color.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Brilliant Rummynose Tetras are peaceful schooling fish for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and established freshwater community tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, nano fish, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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