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.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Find the right tank equipment
Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.
Water Parameters
Shop water care essentials
Keep water parameters stable with the right testing and heating gear.
Temperament & Compatibility
Available 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
Top Tank Mates
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cirrhosus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesBolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
🟢Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Clea helena
🟢Ideal Tank MatesRamshorn Snail
Planorbidae fam.
🟢Ideal Tank MatesRummy-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. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
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.
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.
Similar Species
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.
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.
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
One of the most iconic freshwater fish in the hobby, famous for its striking iridescent blue and red stripes. Originally from the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin, they prefer slightly cooler water than many tropical fish and must be kept in schools to thrive, display natural behaviors, and feel secure.
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
A stunning schooling fish native to the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins in South America. Famous for its brilliant iridescent blue line and a vivid red stripe that extends the full length of its body (distinguishing it from the Neon Tetra). They are strictly schooling fish that thrive in warm, acidic blackwater environments.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
A hardy, peaceful, and active schooling fish famous for its ability to thrive in unheated, sub-tropical aquariums. Native to the mountain streams of China, they feature a bronze body with a striking neon-like lateral stripe and red-tipped fins. They are strictly schooling fish and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.