Rummy-nose Tetra

Petitella rhodostoma

Rummy-nose Tetra is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a school of 10+.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a school of 10+Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: 4–5 cm (1.6–2 in)
Aquarium size: 100 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 24–28 °C
pH: 5–7.2
GH: 1–10 dGH
KH: 0–6 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5–8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 10+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: 5–8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 100 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 5–7.2, GH 1–10 dGH, KH 0–6 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Rummy-nose Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 10+.

Plant safe: Yes
Shrimp safe: Yes
Snail safe: Yes
Community safe: Yes
Aquascape fit: Yes

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 10+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Rummy-nose Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer fine flakes, micro-granules and small live or frozen foods such as Artemia, Cyclops and Daphnia.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Lower Amazon basin, Brazil.

Natural habitat: Warm soft-water streams and tributaries with submerged wood, leaf litter, shaded margins and open channels used by active schools.

Breeding notes

Breeding difficulty: Advanced.

The accepted scientific name is Petitella rhodostoma rather than Hemigrammus rhodostomus. The trade contains several similar Rummy-nose species, so identification remains useful.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 100 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of 10+.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Important notes

Sensitive to unstable or polluted water.
Do not keep in a small group.
Several similar species occur in the aquarium trade.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 22–26 °C Black Arrow Royal Tetra Inpaichthys luizae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 22–26 °C Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 24–28 °C Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 22–27 °C Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4 cm (≤ 1.6 in) 20–26 °C Black-belt Tetra Hemigrammus kuroobi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 24–28 °C

FAQ

How large does Rummy-nose Tetra get?

Rummy-nose Tetra reaches 4–5 cm (1.6–2 in).

What aquarium size does Rummy-nose Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 100 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length.

Is Rummy-nose Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Rummy-nose Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Rummy-nose Tetra?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.

Should Rummy-nose Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Rummy-nose Tetra: Keep in a school of 10+.