Tank Raised Rummynose Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri)

The Tank Raised Rummynose Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri) is the tightest schooler in the freshwater hobby wearing its famous uniform: a glowing red nose, silver body, and a black and white checkered tail. These are tank raised, medium-size fish, which means generations of aquarium breeding have adapted them to standard tap-water parameters, so they skip the touchy acclimation their wild-caught cousins are known for and settle in eating prepared foods from day one. Keep a proper group and they move as one silver ribbon around the tank. Browse the rest of our freshwater livestock and supplies to round out the school.

Care Guide

• School size: 6 minimum, 10 or more is where the famous synchronized schooling really shows. This is not a fish to keep in twos and threes.
• Tank size: 20 gallons or larger, ideally a long tank with open swimming lanes up front and plants along the back.
• Water parameters: 74 to 82°F, pH 6.0 to 7.5. Tank raised stock handles moderately hard water far better than wild imports; stability still matters more than exact numbers.
• The nose is a gauge: a deep red nose means clean, stable water and a happy fish. Fading color is your early warning to check parameters, temperature, or stress.
• Feeding: omnivore with a small mouth. Micro pellets like Xtreme Nano or Community PeeWee, crushed flake, and frozen treats like bloodworms keep the school glowing.
• Settling in: they may school nervously for the first few days in a new tank. That tight formation is actually a sign they feel exposed; once secure, they spread out and cruise.

Specifications

Compatibility

A perfect citizen for planted community tanks and the classic dither fish for angelfish, since rummynoses school mid-tank and signal that the coast is clear. Great company includes Angelfish, Panda Corys, Cherry Barbs, Ember Tetras, and adult Neocaridina shrimp. Avoid fin nippers and anything large enough to swallow a slim 2 inch tetra. Comparing rummynose options? Our Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetras are the same species from a different line.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Xtreme Nano Slow-Sinking Pellets sized for small mouths
• Xtreme Community PeeWee community staple
• SFBB Frozen Bloodworms weekly treat

FAQ

What does "tank raised" mean and why does it matter?
These fish were bred and raised in aquariums, not collected from the wild. Wild rummynoses come from very soft, acidic blackwater and can be delicate in typical tap water; tank raised fish arrive already adapted, making them noticeably hardier.

How many should I start with?
Six is the floor for this species to feel safe. If your tank allows it, a dozen transforms them from a nervous cluster into the synchronized school this fish is famous for.

Why did their noses go pale in the bag?
Transport stress. Pale noses on the ride home are completely normal, and the red usually returns within hours of settling into good water.

Are they safe with shrimp?
Adult dwarf shrimp are fine. Like nearly all tetras they will happily eat shrimp fry, so give colonies dense cover if breeding matters to you.