Rummy Nose Tetra

By: Jade in Oz
 
Latin Name: Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Origin: Lower Amazon
Temperature: 73 - 80°F (23-27°C)
Ease Of Keeping: Easy
Aggressivness: Peaceful
Lighting: Bright
Adult Size: 2 inches - 5cm
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallon
Feeding: Omnivorous
Spawning Method: Egg Scatterer
 
Comments: Lovely little fish! Their noses glow brightly when they are healthy and happy. Best kept with AT LEAST 3 others of their own kind or you will have unhappy rummies. They need some room as they like to race around the tank in a school. Will eat flake but love frozen and live food like bloodworms or brine shrimp.

I disagree with the above statement. Most tetras are an indicator fish if something is wrong with the tank, such as an ammonia spike. They're the first to give signs. I've never seen or had a problem with rummynose tetra, they're a very adaptable and accepting fish if properly introduced to your aquarium.

Rummy Nose Tetras as not easy to keep despite the information on here. They have very specific water requirements and will only display their bright colors when acclimated properly. As a result of this, they are a good "indicator" fish because when they lose their color they act as a warning to inproper tank parameters. Rummys need a pH between 6.5-7.5 and a very well established tank. Most aquarists do not succeed success upon keeping these the first time. A long introduction period to the tank is a necessity and some keepers have taken from to 2-4 hours to slowly introduce the Rummys to the tank temperature and water. Many keeps find often high fatality rates even when keeping them in the right conditions. Fish stores may not offer a guarantee on them as they are very delicate and sensitive fish. A very rewarding and pretty fish they are however not for the beginning aquarist.