About Rummy-nose Tetra
The Rummy-nose Tetra is a striking and elegant schooling fish renowned for its distinctive bright red nose that contrasts beautifully with its silver body and black-and-white striped tail. Native to the Amazon Basin in Brazil and Colombia, these fish inhabit acidic blackwater streams and tributaries. Their common name perfectly describes their appearance - the cherry-red coloration on their head resembles a flushed "rummy nose." Interestingly, the intensity of their red color is often an indicator of water quality; they display their brightest colors in pristine conditions and fade when stressed or in poor water. Rummy-nose tetras are considered the ultimate "dither fish" for shy species like discus and apistogramma, as their confident schooling behavior encourages other fish to feel secure. They are tight schoolers that swim in synchronized formations, creating a mesmerizing display. While slightly more demanding than beginner tetras, their beauty and peaceful nature make them worth the extra care for intermediate aquarists.
Care Guide
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
Rummy-nose tetras require a well-planted aquarium with open swimming space in the center. Use amazon swords, cryptocoryne, and java moss for cover. Driftwood and leaf litter replicate their natural blackwater habitat and provide tannins. Dark substrate enhances their colors. Gentle to moderate filtration suits them. Subdued lighting from floating plants creates a natural ambiance.
Water Quality
- Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- Water Hardness: Soft (2-8 dGH)
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <20 ppm
Exceptional water quality is crucial. They are sensitive to ammonia, nitrites, and fluctuations. The red nose fades in poor conditions, serving as a water quality indicator. Perform 25-30% water changes weekly.
Feeding
Omnivores with small mouths requiring appropriately sized food:
- High-quality micro pellets or finely crushed flake as staple
- Frozen foods: daphnia, bloodworms, baby brine shrimp
- Live foods for conditioning and optimal color
- Small, frequent feedings preferred
Feed 2-3 small meals daily. They have high metabolisms and need consistent feeding.
Behavior & Compatibility
Peaceful, tight-schooling fish that must be kept in groups of 8-10 minimum, ideally 15+. They form very cohesive schools and rarely stray far from the group. Excellent dither fish that encourage shy species to be bolder. They swim in the middle water column. Compatible with all peaceful community fish. Avoid boisterous or aggressive tank mates that cause stress.
Common Health Issues
- Faded colors: Primary indicator of stress or poor water quality; test water immediately
- Neon Tetra Disease: Can affect rummy-noses; quarantine and remove affected fish
- Ich: Common in stressed fish; treat with elevated temperature
- Bacterial infections: Usually secondary to poor water conditions
Breeding
Challenging but possible. Egg scatterers that prefer soft, acidic water and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Condition with live foods. Dim lighting encourages spawning. Eggs are adhesive and hatch in 24-36 hours. Fry are extremely tiny and require infusoria for first feeding. Parents eat eggs; remove after spawning.
Tips for Success
- Use the red nose as a water quality indicator - bright red means good water
- Keep in larger schools (15+) for best behavior and color
- Maintain soft, acidic water with tannins from driftwood or almond leaves
- Acclimate slowly using drip method over 45-60 minutes
- Test water twice weekly; they are sensitive to parameter swings
- Perfect dither fish for discus or apistogramma setups
- Buy from reputable sources; wild-caught specimens need longer quarantine