The Rummy Nose Tetra – Hemigrammus rhodostomus, is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. It is a small, peaceful fish with a distinctive appearance that makes it easily recognizable.
This fish has a slender, torpedo-shaped body that is primarily silver in colour. Its back and upper body are darker, and it has a black triangle at the base of its tail. Its most distinguishing feature is the bright red stripe that runs horizontally along its body, starting from its nose and ending at its tail. This stripe is bordered above and below by a contrasting white stripe, creating a bold and eye-catching contrast. The Rummy Nose Tetra can reach a maximum size of around 2 inches in length.
The fins of the Rummy Nose Tetra are mostly clear, but the dorsal fin has a faint orange tint to it. The male of the species may also have more elongated dorsal and anal fins than the female.
Overall, the Rummy Nose Tetra is a stunning and visually striking fish that is sure to make a great addition to any aquarium.
Rummy Nose imposters:
There are a few species that are commonly sold as false rummy nose tetras, including Petitella georgiae, Petitella bleheri, and Hemigrammus bleheri.
Here are some differences between the true rummy nose (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) and some of the commonly sold false rummy nose species:
- Petitella georgiae: This fish has a less distinct black “patch” on its head than the true rummy nose, and its red stripe may be thinner or less vibrant. It also has a more elongated body shape.
- Petitella bleheri: This fish has a similar body shape to the true rummy nose, but its red stripe is less vibrant and may be interrupted or broken in places. It also has a black spot at the base of its tail, which the true rummy nose does not have.
- Hemigrammus bleheri: This fish has a similar body shape and overall coloration to the true rummy nose, but its red stripe may be thicker or less sharply defined. It also has a black spot at the base of its tail.
It’s worth noting that these “false rummy nose” species are still popular aquarium fish in their own right, even if they’re not the true rummy nose. However, if you’re specifically looking for the true rummy nose (Hemigrammus rhodostomus), it’s important to make sure you’re getting the correct species.
Natural Habitat:
The natural habitat of a fish plays a vital role in its overall health and well-being. Understanding the natural habitat of a fish is crucial to creating a suitable and comfortable environment in captivity. In the case of Rummy Nose Tetras, they are native to the Amazon River basin and its tributaries in South America. Here are some details about the natural habitat of Rummy Nose Tetras:
- Water: The water in their natural habitat is typically soft and acidic, with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. The temperature of the water ranges from 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C), which is relatively warm.
- Plants: The Amazon River basin is a densely forested area, and the Rummy Nose Tetras prefer a similar environment. The water is typically clear, with lots of plants and vegetation, including floating plants, submerged plants, and riparian vegetation.
- Water flow: Rummy Nose Tetras are used to a moderate water flow. In their natural habitat, they are found in areas where the water is moving but not too fast.
- Hiding places: Rummy Nose Tetras are a schooling fish and are naturally timid. In their natural habitat, they prefer to have plenty of hiding places, such as rocks, driftwood, and plants.
By recreating these natural conditions in captivity, you can provide a suitable environment for your Rummy Nose Tetras. This will help keep them healthy and happy, and they will be more likely to breed and thrive in their new home.
Keeping Rummy Nose Tetras healthy:
Rummy Nose Tetras are relatively easy to care for, with a care level that is considered to be easy to moderate. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water with a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C). A well-planted tank with driftwood and a dark substrate can simulate their natural habitat and make them feel at home.
Special requirements and feeding:
Rummy Nose Tetras are omnivores and will readily accept most types of food, including flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods. They should be fed a varied diet to maintain their health and vitality.
How Many Should I Keep:
Rummy Nose Tetras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six individuals, although larger groups are recommended to promote their natural behaviours and minimize stress.
Lighting Preference:
The Rummy Nose Tetras prefer moderate to low lighting, as bright lights can cause stress and reduce their vibrant coloration.
Suitable tank mates:
Rummy Nose Tetra is a peaceful and social species that do well in community tanks with other peaceful fish. They are an active and energetic species that will typically swim in the mid to upper levels of the aquarium. Some suitable tank mates for Rummy Nose Tetras include:
- Other small, peaceful tetras: Species such as Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, and Glowlight Tetras make excellent tank mates for Rummy Nose Tetras. They share similar water requirements and are peaceful, active swimmers.
- Corydoras Catfish: These bottom-dwelling fish are peaceful and can help keep the tank clean by scavenging for food on the substrate. They are also social and do well in groups of at least 3-4.
- Dwarf Gouramis: These small, peaceful fish are known for their bright colors and beautiful fins. They are compatible with Rummy Nose Tetras and can add a splash of color to the aquarium.
- Cherry Shrimp: These small, peaceful invertebrates are a great addition to a planted aquarium. They can help keep the tank clean and add visual interest.
It is important to note that Rummy Nose Tetras are small and delicate fish that can be easily intimidated by larger, more aggressive fish. Avoid keeping them with species such as cichlids or other large, predatory fish. Additionally, avoid keeping them with fin-nipping species such as Tiger Barbs.
Breeding:
- Breeding the Rummy Nose Tetra can be challenging but is possible with the right conditions and care.
- Create a separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water with a pH around 6.0-6.5 and a temperature range of 78-80°F.
- Add spawning mops or fine-leaved plants like java moss for the female to lay her eggs.
- Condition the breeding pair with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
- Introduce the male and female into the breeding tank and observe their behaviour. They may swim together or chase each other around.
- Once the female is ready to lay her eggs, she will deposit them on the spawning mop or plant leaves.
- Remove the parents from the breeding tank after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
- The eggs will hatch in about 24-36 hours, and the fry will become free-swimming after 2-3 days.
- Feed the fry with infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week and then gradually transition to newly hatched brine shrimp and crushed flake food.
- Monitor the water parameters closely and perform frequent water changes to keep the water clean and stable.
- The fry will grow quickly and should be separated into a grow-out tank as they get larger.
- Rummy Nose Tetras reach sexual maturity at around 6 months of age and can spawn every 2-4 weeks with proper conditions and care.
Sexual dimorphism:
Male Rummy Nose Tetras have a more pronounced red nose than females, and they may also be slightly larger and more slender in shape.
Distribution:
Rummy Nose Tetras are native to South America and are commonly available in the aquarium trade as captive-bred specimens. The original wild fish come from the Amazon Basin.
Summary:
Rummy Nose Tetras are a popular and colourful addition to freshwater aquariums. They are relatively easy to care for and can be kept with a wide variety of other peaceful fish. A well-planted tank with soft, slightly acidic water can help to simulate their natural habitat and promote their health and vitality.
Denise parr (verified owner) –
Ordered 4 rummy nose tetra, these are one of my favourites, came well packaged been a month now, no losses , Thank you Abyss Aquatics,
Ian –
Had 6 Cory’s 3 Siamese algae eaters arrived well packed and fine excellent friendly service thank you
Andrew Barton –
Thanks Abyss, the 20 rummynose have settled in perfectly into my 400l tank and have joined the shoal of 100 other rummys! They are definietly the healthiest rummynose i have bought online.