Rummy-Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Renowned as the tightest schooling fish in the freshwater hobby. They feature a bright red nose, a silver body, and a black-and-white checkered tail. They are excellent 'indicator fish'; their red noses will fade to pale pink if water quality drops or the fish are stressed. While there are three very similar species (H. rhodostomus, H. bleheri, P. georgiae) often sold under the same name, their care requirements are identical.
Rummy-Nose Tetra At a Glance
Rummy-Nose Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Rummy-Nose Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Rummy-Nose Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Rummy-Nose Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Rummy-Nose Tetra Water Parameters
Rummy-Nose Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Rummy-Nose Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form. Requires length to swim rather than depth. Highly sensitive to nitrates and unstable water parameters; do not add to biologically immature aquariums.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Platinum / Gold Morph
A captive-bred color morph lacking the silver scales, appearing distinctively white or gold. Husbandry is identical to the wild type.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Gold Rummy Nose, Platinum Rummy Nose
Rummy-Nose Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Rummy-Nose Tetra, scientifically known as Hemigrammus rhodostomus, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Rummy-Nose Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 75 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7 and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Rummy-Nose Tetra is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard and Platinum / Gold Morph. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Rummy-Nose Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Rummy-Nose Tetra, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, light plant coverage for partial shade, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Rummy-Nose Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Rummy-Nose Tetra is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Rummy-Nose Tetra Is Actually For
Rummy-Nose Tetra is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially plants.
The most common mistake is buying Rummy-Nose Tetra for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Rummy-Nose Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Rummy-Nose Tetra.
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
Show 15 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Rummy-Nose Tetra
How big does Rummy-Nose Tetra get?
Rummy-Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Rummy-Nose Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 75 cm are recommended for Rummy-Nose Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Rummy-Nose Tetra need?
Rummy-Nose Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Rummy-Nose Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Rummy-Nose Tetra is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Rummy-Nose Tetra should be kept together?
Rummy-Nose Tetra is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Rummy-Nose Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Rummy-Nose Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered, plants - lighly covered, and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- April 28, 2026
- Last updated
- April 28, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Rummy-Nose Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Rummy-Nose Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Plants That Suit Rummy-Nose Tetra
These plants pair well with Rummy-Nose Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Bog Moss
Mayaca fluviatilis
Bonsai Rotala
Rotala indica
Fish Similar to Rummy-Nose Tetra
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus bleheri
One of the tightest schooling fish in the aquarium hobby, known for their striking bright red faces and black-and-white horizontally striped tail fins. They are highly active and need plenty of horizontal swimming space. The intensity of their red 'nose' serves as an excellent biological indicator of water quality and stress; it fades significantly if water parameters drop or they feel insecure.
False Rummy-Nose Tetra
Petitella georgiae
A small, peaceful, and highly active schooling fish known for its bright red snout and black-and-white striped tail. Often confused with the True Rummy-Nose (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) or Firehead Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri), the 'False' Rummy-Nose is distinguished by red coloration that typically does not extend past the gills. They are excellent indicator fish; their red noses will pale if water quality drops. They require ample horizontal swimming space and pristine water conditions.
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
A striking, deep-red schooling fish known for its highly active nature. While hardy and beautiful, Serpae Tetras are notorious fin-nippers. This behavior is usually localized within their own pecking order if kept in large enough schools (8+), but they should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tank mates like Bettas, Angelfish, or Gouramis.
Fire Tetra
Hyphessobrycon flammeus
The Fire Tetra (commonly sold as the Flame or Von Rio Tetra) is a peaceful, schooling nano fish originating from the coastal rivers of Brazil. They are prized for their striking two-toned appearance, which transitions from silver/yellow at the head to a vibrant fiery red at the tail. Hardy and adaptable, they make an excellent choice for planted community aquariums, though they are unfortunately considered endangered or possibly extinct in the wild due to habitat loss.
Lemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
A peaceful, deep-bodied schooling tetra known for its translucent yellow coloration and striking black and yellow fins. They are robust and active, making them an excellent choice for planted community aquariums. Their colors intensify significantly in a well-established tank with a dark substrate and proper schooling numbers.
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
A striking, robust schooling fish from Colombia. Unlike many tetras, they do not swim in a tight shoal, preferring to loosely associate while males stake out small territories to display to females. They feature a bold black lateral line and iridescent purple/blue hues.