Rummynose Tetra – Hemigrammus rhodostomus
The Rummynose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) is one of the most impressive freshwater schooling fish in the aquarium hobby. Known for its bright red nose, silver body, and black-and-white striped tail, this peaceful tetra creates beautiful synchronized movement when kept in groups.
Rummynose Tetras are especially popular in planted aquariums and aquascaping setups because of their tight schooling behavior. Their active swimming and clean color contrast make them a standout choice for peaceful community tanks with stable water conditions.
Key Features
- Bright red nose with silver body
- Black-and-white striped tail
- Excellent tight schooling behavior
- Peaceful freshwater community fish
- Great for planted aquariums and aquascapes
- Best kept in groups of 6–10 or more
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Hemigrammus rhodostomus
- Common Name: Rummynose Tetra
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: Approximately 2 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 0.75–1 inch
- 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 Rummynose Tetras?
Rummynose Tetras are valued for their synchronized schooling behavior and strong visual impact. A healthy group moves together through the aquarium, creating a calm but eye-catching display that works beautifully in planted tanks and natural aquascapes.
Their bright red nose can also fade when fish are stressed, newly introduced, or kept in poor water conditions. Strong coloration is often a good sign that the fish are comfortable and the aquarium is stable.
Ideal Tank Setup
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, silver, and black 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
- Neon Tetras
- Cardinal Tetras
- Ember Tetras
- Other peaceful tetras
- Small rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Otocinclus
- Peaceful dwarf cichlids with caution
- 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
Rummynose Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of small aquarium foods. Feed quality micro pellets, fine flakes, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, baby 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 planted areas and open swimming space
- Avoid aggressive or overly active tankmates
- Feed a varied diet for best health and color
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 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 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 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 Rummynose Tetras peaceful?
Yes. Rummynose Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that do well in calm freshwater community aquariums.
What do Rummynose Tetras eat?
They eat micro pellets, fine flakes, 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
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, schooling 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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