Rummynose

Rummy-nose, or rummy-nose tetra, is a small freshwater fish commonly kept in home aquariums. In the trade the name is most often applied to Hemigrammus bleheri, though Hemigrammus rhodostomus is also sold under this common name; both species belong to the family Characidae and share a distinctive red nose.

Description and appearance: Rummy-nose tetras are small, typically reaching about 3 to 4 cm in length. They have a pale, silvery to translucent body with a bright red or orange nose and a red midbody band that can extend toward the base of the tail. Some individuals may show a dark dorsal or tail fin margin. The fish are generally peaceful and display more vivid coloration when kept in good water conditions and as part of a group.

Habitat and aquarium setup: These fish are native to South American river systems in the Amazon basin. In captivity they prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water and a dimly lit, well-planted tank with gentle rather than strong currents. A group of six or more is recommended to bring out their natural schooling behavior. A bottom with subdued substrates and some subdued lighting helps reduce stress.

Behavior and compatibility: Rummy-nose tetras are peaceful community fish that do best in schools. They are compatible with other small, non-aggressive tropical species such as other tetras, rasboras, and peaceful gouramis. They can be stressed by sudden changes, aggressive tank mates, or poor water quality.

Diet: They are omnivorous, accepting flake foods, micro pellets, and frozen or live foods such as daphnia or bloodworms. A varied diet helps maintain color and health.

Breeding: They are egg scatterers. Successful breeding generally requires soft, acidic water and a spawning setup with gentle filtration and dim lighting; eggs are laid among plants or spawning mops and should be removed from adults to protect fry. Juveniles require tiny foods and stable water conditions.