Rummynose Tetra

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Scientific Name

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Min. Tank Size

20 gallons

Personality

Peaceful

Temperature

76-80°F

pH

5.5-7.0/0-10°dGH

Size

2"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Best kept in schools with 6 or more of their own species; can be kept with Pencilfish, Dwarf Cichlids, Corydoras, Rasboras, Barbs and Anabantids.

Rummynose Tetra

A long-time favorite among aquarium hobbyists, the Rummynose Tetra is native to the Rio Orinoco and the Amazon River in Brazil and Venezuela. These fish are typically found in blackwater rivers and tributaries where the water is stained with tannins from decaying plant matter. Rummynose Tetras are sometimes incorrectly called Firehead Tetras and are named for the deep red coloration on their heads, including the eye. The bodies of this fish are torpedo-shaped and silver in color, though some specimens exhibit a slight greenish tint. The caudal fin of this species is often ornamented with black and white horizontal stripes.

Tank Set-Up

Because Rummynose Tetras are a schooling species, they are best kept in groups with 6 or more of their own species. These fish tend to be peaceful in nature which makes them an excellent addition to the community tank. Rummynose Tetras prefer biotype tank set-ups decorated with sand substrate, driftwood branches and leaf litter. These fish can also do well in standard planted tanks, though aquatic plants are not typically part of the natural environment for these fish.

Feeding

The Rummynose Tetra is not a fussy eater and will except just about anything offered. When feeding Rummynose Tetras make sure the chosen food is relatively small since this species has a small mouth. Rummynose will accept most commercially prepared foods as well as live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. A varied diet of quality flakes and live/frozen foods is best to ensure optimum health and coloration. A high quality micro pellet designed for freshwater tropical fish is a excellent choice to accomodate the small mouth of this species.

Breeding

This species can be spawned in either groups or pairs and should be conditioned on small, live foods. A breeding tank for Rummynose Tetras should be dimly lit and decorated with clumps of fine-leaved plants. Once spawning occurs, the adult fish should be removed from the tank because they are likely to eat their own eggs. The eggs will typically hatch between 24 and 36 hours after spawning.