Rummy-nose tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri) care guide

Group

Freshwater fish

Other names

Firehead tetra, Rummy nose, Petitella bleheri, Brilliant rummynose tetra, Rednose tetra

Family

Acestrorhamphidae (American tetras; formerly Characidae)

Origin

Rio Negro and Rio Meta basins in Brazil and Colombia, in tannin-stained blackwater rivers and tributaries.

Water

freshwater

Maximum size

5 cm

Temperature

23–26°C

pH

5.5–7

Hardness

Soft to medium, 2–15 dGH

Minimum tank

100 litres

Care level

intermediate

Temperament

peaceful

Care

Rummy-nose tetras are a strongly schooling tetra and should be kept in a group of at least 10, preferably more. They are active mid-water swimmers, so give them a tank at least 90 cm long (around 100 litres). A planted tank with open swimming space works well, or a blackwater biotope with river sand, driftwood, roots and dried leaves. Keep the water warm (23–26 °C), soft to moderately hard and slightly acidic to neutral. They are sensitive to poor water quality and need a mature tank with weekly partial water changes. Most fish sold as rummy-nose are this species; the similar Hemigrammus rhodostomus and Petitella georgiae are seen less often. Scientists have proposed moving this species to the genus Petitella, and FishBase now lists it as Petitella bleheri. A golden form is also sold. A major wild-caught export: about 7.2 million were shipped from Brazil's Amazonas state between 2006 and 2015, roughly 5% of all ornamental fish exported from there. Sources: Seriously Fish (seriouslyfish.com/species/hemigrammus-bleheri/); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Hemigrammus-bleheri.html); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petitellableheri). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivore that readily takes good-quality flake and small granules, plus small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm and Daphnia. A varied diet is important for the best colour.

Breeding

Use a separate breeding tank of at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm with soft, acidic water, dim lighting and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. They can be spawned in pairs or as a group. Females are noticeably rounder-bodied than males. Remove the adults after spawning, as they will eat the eggs. Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours; feed the fry infusoria at first, then newly hatched brine shrimp.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful and a fine community fish, especially with other South American species: other tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, Corydoras, small plecos, and dwarf cichlids. Avoid large or aggressive tankmates and anything that could eat them.

Last updated 4 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.