Rummy-nose Tetra

Hemigrammus rhodostomus is one of the true rummy-nose tetras, a characin of the family Characidae native to the lower Amazon basin and coastal rivers of Brazil. It closely resembles its relatives, with a bright red head, silvery flanks, and a horizontally banded black-and-white caudal fin. A peaceful and gregarious species, it schools tightly and should be kept in groups of eight or more. It suits community aquariums with other calm species and is a classic choice for planted, biotope-style tanks. The red on its snout fades when the fish is stressed or the water quality declines, serving as a useful health gauge. It prefers soft, acidic, warm water with gentle current and plenty of planting alongside open swimming areas. It eats small prepared foods, micro-pellets, and frozen fare such as daphnia and brine shrimp. Captive breeding is achievable in dedicated soft-water setups but demands careful attention to water chemistry.