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Rummy Nose Tetra

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Complete Rummy Nose Tetra care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 20 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Rummy Nose Tetra

Quick Answer

Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. It requires a minimum 20 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. This omnivore occupies the middle zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. Known for their peaceful nature and distinct appearance, they occupy the middle levels of the aquarium and bring dynamic energy to any setup.

Setup

Rummy Nose Tetra requires a stable, well-filtered aquarium of at least 20 gallons. They thrive best with moderate water movement and a reliable heater to maintain temperatures around 22-26°C. Ensure pH levels remain consistent between 6.5 - 7.5 to prevent stress and support long-term health.

Feeding

As a omnivore, the Rummy Nose Tetra is not a picky eater. They should be fed a high-quality base of flakes, sinking pellets, or wafers. Periodic supplementation with frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, will boost their health and colors.

Compatibility

Rummy Nose Tetra has a peaceful temperament. They are schooling fish and MUST be kept in a group of at least 8 individuals to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. Avoid placing them with aggressive species or tankmates they are listed as incompatible with, such as: None.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Rummy Nose Tetras should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum school of 10 to 15 individuals in a tank of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) with a footprint of 30x12 inches (75x30 cm). Rummy nose tetras (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) are schooling fish that use their red nose as a health indicator; groups under 8 cause chronic stress and pale noses. A school of 20+ displays natural shoaling and intense red coloration. Provide dark substrate, dim lighting, and floating plants. Tank length must exceed 30 inches (75 cm). Avoid large tank mates that cause stress.
What are the exact water parameters for Rummy Nose Tetras?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 3 - 10 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 2 - 8 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 80 - 200 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 160 - 400 μS/cm, and temperature 75°F - 82°F (24°C - 28°C). They are sensitive to water quality; the red nose fades if nitrates exceed 15 ppm. Maintain nitrates below 10 ppm with weekly 25% water changes. Use a sponge filter or gentle HOB. Add driftwood and Indian almond leaves. Ammonia must be 0 ppm; any detectable level causes nose to turn pale.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Rummy Nose Tetras?
They are omnivores requiring 35% protein, 10% fat, 55% plant matter. Feed premium flake food, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and bloodworms twice daily. Offer spirulina flakes weekly. Medication alert: Sensitive to copper (0.1 mg/L max) and formalin. Use malachite green at half-dose (0.05 mg/L) for ich. Praziquantel is safe. Avoid salt (tolerance <3 ppt). Quarantine with methylene blue at half-strength. They are susceptible to neon tetra disease; remove infected fish.
How to breed Rummy Nose Tetras in captivity?
Select 12-15 mature fish and condition with live baby brine shrimp and blackworms for 3 weeks. Set up a 10-gallon (38 liter) breeding tank with 4 inches (10 cm) of RO water (pH 6.0, 2 dGH, 80°F/27°C), a spawning mop, and very dim light. Simulate dawn with a single 1-watt LED. Spawning occurs in absolute darkness; female releases 300-500 eggs. Remove parents after 6 hours. Eggs hatch in 24-30 hours. Fry are light-sensitive; keep tank covered. Feed infusoria for 5 days, then microworms, then baby brine shrimp after day 10.