Rummy Nose Tetra(Hemigrammus Rhodostomus)

Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) — The Schooling Showpiece of the Nature Aquarium

The Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) is one of the most iconic and beloved schooling fish in the planted aquarium hobby. Instantly recognizable by its brilliant red nose, silver body, and bold black-and-white striped tail, this elegant South American tetra is a staple of the Nature Aquarium and a favourite of aquascapers worldwide. When kept in a large school, their synchronized movement through the water column creates a mesmerizing, living display that no other fish can replicate.

The Art of the School

Few sights in the aquarium hobby rival a tight school of Rummy Nose Tetras weaving through a planted aquascape. Their natural schooling instinct is exceptionally strong — they move as one fluid unit, turning and darting in perfect unison. The vivid red of their snouts and the crisp black-and-white tail pattern create a striking visual rhythm against green plants and natural hardscape, making them a centrepiece species in any Nature Aquarium layout.

Care Profile

• Scientific Name: Hemigrammus rhodostomus
• Origin: South America (lower Amazon, Rio Vaupes, Venezuela)
• Size: Up to 4–5 cm
• Temperament: Peaceful; best kept in schools of 10 or more for natural schooling behaviour
• Diet: Omnivore — accepts flake food, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, and baby brine shrimp
• Water Temperature: 24–28°C (prefers warm, soft water)
• pH: 5.5–7.0 (prefers soft, acidic water; red nose intensity is a reliable water quality indicator)
• Tank Size: Minimum 80 cm / 80L to allow proper schooling space
• Note: The brightness of the red nose is a reliable health and water quality indicator — a vivid red signals excellent conditions

Aquascape Compatibility

Completely plant-safe and peaceful with all community fish. Rummy Nose Tetras thrive in soft, warm, well-filtered planted aquariums with subdued lighting and dark substrates that intensify their colouration. An essential species for Nature Aquarium, Iwagumi, and South American biotope layouts. Best combined with other peaceful South American species such as cardinal tetras, corydoras, and dwarf cichlids.

Red-nosed, silver-bodied, and perfectly synchronized — the Rummy Nose Tetra is the schooling fish that defines the Nature Aquarium.