Rummynose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)

A hobby classic, the Rummynose Tetra has been popular with generations of aquarium keepers due to its high contrast coloration, peaceful nature, and active schooling behavior. In the wild, they are found in the Orinoco drainage in Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil, typically in large shoals in shallow, flooded forest habitat. This species is one of several closely related and extremely similar species collectively known as Rummynose Tetra in the hobby, with Hemigrammus bleheri coming from the Rio Negro in Brazil and Petitella georgiae from Peru also sometimes encountered. The Rummynose Tetra’s characteristic red “nose” is a good indicator of water quality as it will be most vibrant when the fish are healthy and in warm, slightly acidic water.  Best kept in groups of 10 or more fish, they make ideal inhabitants for medium to large planted tanks.