Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Description
The Rummy Nose Tetra is known for its vibrant red-colored nose and its shimmering silver body with black markings near the tail. This attractive fish is small and slender, often forming large schools in the wild. The red coloration of the nose becomes more intense in a well-maintained aquarium. These fish are peaceful, active, and enjoy swimming in groups, making them ideal for a community tank.
Natural Habitat
Native to the rivers of South America, specifically the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.
Akuarium
Ideal Number in Aquarium: At least 6 individuals for schooling behavior (the more, the better).
Favorite Foods
They enjoy a varied diet that includes high-quality flake food, frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, and other small live foods. Supplementing with plant matter, like algae wafers, is also beneficial.
Behavior:
Rummy Nose Tetras are peaceful and social, preferring to swim in schools. They tend to stay near the middle and upper parts of the tank. While they are not aggressive, they should be kept in schools to feel secure and exhibit their natural social behavior.
Special Care:
This species thrives in slightly acidic to neutral water, so maintaining stable water conditions is key to their health. They are sensitive to sudden changes in water temperature or quality, so regular water changes and proper filtration are essential.
Compatibility with Other Fish:
Yes, they are peaceful and do well in community tanks. They are best kept with other non-aggressive species. Avoid keeping them with overly territorial or large fish that might harass them.
Breeding Tank Setup
Breeding Rummy Nose Tetras is best done in a dedicated tank to ensure optimal water conditions and to prevent adults from consuming the eggs or fry. A 10–20 gallon (38–75 liter) tank provides enough swimming space and maintains water quality effectively. Ideal parameters include a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, temperature ranging from 24°C to 28°C, and soft water with hardness between 2–8 dGH. Gentle filtration, such as a sponge filter or low-flow internal filter, ensures oxygenation without stressing the fish. Use fine gravel or no substrate, and incorporate soft-leaved and floating plants like Java moss and Amazon sword to offer secure spawning surfaces and protection for the eggs. Moderate lighting on a 10–12 hour cycle mimics natural conditions and keeps fish active without causing stress.
Conditioning the Breeders
To condition Rummy Nose Tetras for spawning, provide a varied and nutritious diet over 1–2 weeks. Feed high-quality flakes, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia, along with occasional plant-based supplements like spirulina flakes or algae wafers. This rich diet enhances their energy and fertility. Water quality must also be kept high during conditioning, with weekly 25–30% water changes. A larger water change before spawning can simulate natural environmental shifts that encourage mating, provided the pH and temperature remain stable.
Spawning Process
Spawning typically occurs in the early morning hours. Rummy Nose Tetras are egg scatterers that spawn in groups, with females releasing eggs on plants, decorations, or the glass, and males quickly fertilizing them. A healthy female may produce between 50 to 150 eggs during a single event, depending on her condition. Immediately after spawning, it is essential to remove the adult fish to prevent egg predation. Gently transfer them to another tank, leaving the eggs in the breeding tank to develop undisturbed.
Fry Development
Eggs hatch within 24–48 hours, depending on water temperature. The newly hatched fry are extremely small and fragile, requiring minimal disturbance and pristine water. Feed them infusoria or commercial liquid fry food at first. As they grow, gradually introduce baby brine shrimp, microworms, or finely crushed flakes. Maintain excellent water quality with daily 10–20% water changes and ensure parameters like temperature and pH remain stable. Overfeeding must be avoided to prevent ammonia spikes that can harm the fry.
Key Considerations
Rummy Nose Tetras reach breeding maturity around 6–12 months of age, with optimal results from fully mature, healthy individuals. Males are typically slimmer and show more vivid red coloration in the nose area, while females are rounder with slightly duller hues. Avoid rapid environmental changes, poor water quality, or excessive lighting, as these can cause stress and disrupt breeding. A calm, stable tank with consistent care and close observation will greatly increase the chances of successful spawning and fry survival.