Can Humpbacked Limia and Rummy-Nose Tetra Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Humpbacked Limia and Rummy-Nose Tetra are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Humpbacked Limia

Limia nigrofasciata

Rummy-Nose Tetra

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

🐠Family Group
Humpbacked Limia
Livebearers
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Humpbacked Limia
Peaceful (2/10)
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Humpbacked Limia
24–28°C
Rummy-Nose Tetra
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Humpbacked Limia
7.2–8.5
Rummy-Nose Tetra
5.5–7
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Humpbacked Limia
10–25
Rummy-Nose Tetra
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Humpbacked Limia
Freshwater Only
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Humpbacked Limia
Moderate
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Humpbacked Limia
75 L
Rummy-Nose Tetra
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Humpbacked Limia
MiddleTop
Rummy-Nose Tetra
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Humpbacked Limia
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry PredatorNano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Humpbacked Limia and Rummy-Nose Tetra?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Humpbacked Limia
Rummy-Nose Tetra
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Behaviour & Temperament

Humpbacked Limia is a peaceful species (2/10), while Rummy-Nose Tetra is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Humpbacked Limia may occasionally assert dominance over Rummy-Nose Tetra.

Humpbacked Limia and Rummy-Nose Tetra both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Humpbacked Limia (7.2–8.5) and Rummy-Nose Tetra (5.5–7) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Humpbacked Limia and Rummy-Nose Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 75 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - lighly covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Humpbacked Limia and Rummy-Nose Tetra are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Humpbacked Limia and Rummy-Nose Tetra.

Show 15 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Humpbacked Limia and Rummy-Nose Tetra live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Humpbacked Limia and Rummy-Nose Tetra need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 75 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Humpbacked Limia and Rummy-Nose Tetra together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Humpbacked Limia or Rummy-Nose Tetra aggressive?

Humpbacked Limia is peaceful (2/10) and Rummy-Nose Tetra is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Humpbacked Limia and Rummy-Nose Tetra need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Humpbacked Limia prefers 7.2–8.5, while Rummy-Nose Tetra needs 5.5–7. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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