Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri)

The Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri) is famous for its fiery red nose and the tight, coordinated schools it forms as it sweeps through the middle of the tank. The bold black-and-white striped tail completes the look. This is the brilliant variety, prized for the deepest, most vivid red coloration in the group. Our current stock is tank raised, meaning generations of aquarium breeding have adapted them to standard tap water parameters. They skip the touchy acclimation wild-caught rummynose are known for and settle in eating prepared foods from day one.

Pair them with the rest of our freshwater livestock and live aquarium plants for a lively planted display.

Care Guide

• Keep a big school. Rummy nose are true schooling fish. Start with at least 8 to 10, and larger groups school more tightly and look stunning.
• Give them swimming room. A 20 gallon (or larger) aquarium, ideally longer than it is tall, suits their active, fast-moving nature.
• Stable, mature water matters. They do best in an established, cycled tank with clean, stable parameters. Their bright red nose is a built-in health gauge: it glows when they are happy and fades when water quality slips.
• Water parameters: Temperature 75 to 84°F, pH 5.5 to 7.0, soft to moderately soft water. They love planted, slightly tannin-stained "blackwater" setups.
• Feeding: Omnivores that take small foods readily. Offer quality micro pellets and small or crushed flakes, plus frozen treats like baby brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed small amounts once or twice daily.

Specifications

Compatibility

Rummy nose tetras are gentle, non-nippy community fish that pair beautifully with other peaceful species. Avoid large or aggressive tank mates. Great companions include:

• Galaxy Rasbora (Celestial Pearl Danio)
• Black Emperor Tetra and other peaceful tetras
• Amano Shrimp and other dwarf shrimp
• Corydoras catfish and small, peaceful rasboras

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Seachem NutriDiet Tropical Flakes (crush lightly for their small mouths)
• Hikari Vibra Bites for variety and a strong feeding response
• Java Moss and Anubias for cover and a natural look
• Frogbit to soften the lighting and bring out their color

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "tank raised" mean and why does it matter?
These fish were bred and raised in aquariums rather than collected from the wild. Wild rummynose come from very soft, acidic blackwater and can be delicate in typical tap water. Tank raised fish arrive already adapted, which makes them noticeably hardier.

How many rummy nose should I keep?
At least 8 to 10, and more is better. A large group schools more tightly, shows brighter color, and behaves more confidently.

Why is their nose a good health indicator?
The red coloration responds to water quality and stress. A deep, glowing red signals clean, stable water, while a faded nose is an early warning to check your parameters.

Are they hard to keep?
They are very rewarding in an established, cycled tank with stable water. Avoid adding them to a brand-new setup, and keep up with regular maintenance.

What should I feed them?
Their mouths are small, so crush flakes or use micro pellets and small frozen foods. A varied diet keeps their color rich.