Rummy Nose Tetra: Species Profile

Characteristics

• Scientific Name: Hemigrammus rhodostomus
• Family: Characidae
• Origin: South America
• Social Behavior: Peaceful, schooling fish
• Tank Level: Middle regions
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore
• Breeding Method: Egg layer
• Care Level: Intermediate
• Preferred pH Range: 6.2 to 7.0
• Water Hardness: 2 to 10 dGH
• Temperature Range: 75 to 84°F (24 to 29°C)

Origin and Distribution

The Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) is native to the Amazon River basin in South America, particularly in Brazil and Venezuela. They inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with soft, acidic waters, often surrounded by dense vegetation.

Colors and Markings

Rummy Nose Tetras are distinguished by their bright red head, which extends from the snout to the gill covers. Their slender, silver bodies are complemented by a distinctive black and white striped tail fin, creating a striking contrast. This unique coloration makes them a popular choice among aquarists.

Tankmates

Due to their peaceful nature, Rummy Nose Tetras are excellent additions to community aquariums. Compatible tankmates include:

• Other small, peaceful fish such as tetras, rasboras, and guppies
• Corydoras catfish
• Dwarf gouramis
• Small, peaceful invertebrates like shrimp

It’s advisable to avoid housing them with larger, aggressive species that may exhibit territorial behavior or view them as prey.

Care

Rummy Nose Tetras are relatively hardy but require specific conditions to thrive. Key care considerations include:

• Tank Setup: Provide a well-planted aquarium with open areas for swimming. Incorporate driftwood and rocks to mimic their natural habitat and offer hiding spots. A dark substrate can enhance their coloration.
• Water Parameters: Maintain stable water conditions within the preferred ranges. Regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential to keep ammonia and nitrate levels low.
• Group Size: Keep them in groups of at least six to promote natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.

Diet and Feeding

As omnivores, Rummy Nose Tetras thrive on a varied diet:

• Staple Foods: High-quality flake or micro-pellet foods formulated for tropical fish.
• Supplements: Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
• Feeding Frequency: Offer small amounts multiple times a day, ensuring they consume all the food within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Gender Differences

Sexual dimorphism in Rummy Nose Tetras is subtle. Females are generally slightly larger and have a more rounded abdomen, especially when carrying eggs, while males tend to be more slender.

Breeding

Breeding Rummy Nose Tetras in captivity is achievable with proper conditions:

• Breeding Tank: Set up a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water and a temperature around 80°F (27°C). Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops for egg deposition.
• Spawning: Condition the breeding pair with high-quality live or frozen foods. The female will scatter eggs among the plants, and the male will fertilize them.
• Post-Spawning: Remove the adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs. Eggs typically hatch within 24 to 36 hours.
• Fry Care: Feed the fry infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food until they are large enough to accept finely crushed flake food or baby brine shrimp.

FAQ

How long do Rummy Nose Tetras live? With proper care, they can live between 6 to 8 years.

Can Rummy Nose Tetras be kept with shrimp? Yes, they are generally safe to keep with small, peaceful shrimp species.

Do Rummy Nose Tetras require a heater? Maintaining a stable temperature within their preferred range is essential for their health, so a heater may be necessary depending on ambient conditions.