Hemigrammus bleheri (“Rummy-Nose Tetra”)

Imported on October 17, 2025 — shipping begins on October 26, 2025

Hemigrammus bleheri (“Rummy-Nose Tetra”)

Hemigrammus rhodostomus and Hemigrammus bleheri, commonly known as the Rummy-Nose Tetra, are small, iconic South American characins prized for their vivid red facial coloration and sharply defined black-and-white tail bands. Native to slow-moving tributaries of the Amazon basin, they thrive in soft, warm, and clean water. When kept in groups, these fish form tight, synchronized schools that add striking movement and color to any planted aquarium.

Size:
Adults reach about 3.8–5 cm (≈ 1.5–2″) in length.

Water parameters:
Soft, slightly acidic water preferred.
pH 5.5 – 7.0
GH ≤ 6 °d
KH ≤ 3 °d
TDS < 150 ppm
Provide stable conditions with clean, oxygen-rich, slow-flowing water and subdued lighting. A dark substrate and driftwood enhance their natural colors.

Temperature:
24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F); best results around 26 °C.

Food:
Omnivorous. Offer a balanced diet of high-quality flakes or micro-pellets, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, bloodworms, or baby brine shrimp to enhance color and vitality.

Tankmates:
Peaceful and ideal for community aquariums with other small, calm fish such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras, or dwarf apistogrammas.
Avoid large or aggressive species that may stress or outcompete them.

Breeding:
Can be bred in captivity but requires very soft, acidic water and low light.
Condition a pair or group with live foods, then move them to a separate breeding tank with fine plants or a mesh substrate to protect eggs.
Spawning typically occurs at dawn.
Remove adults after spawning, as they may eat the eggs.
Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, and fry become free-swimming within three days. Feed infusoria or liquid fry food initially, then progress to baby brine shrimp.

Important note:
This is a sensitive schooling fish that must be kept in groups of at least 8–10 individuals for best behavior and health.
They are fast, active swimmers that need open space to school.
Rummy-Nose Tetras are excellent indicators of water quality — their red coloration fades when conditions deteriorate, so maintaining stable, clean water is essential.