All species
fishbeginner
Rummynose Tetra
Hemigrammus bleheri
A tight-schooling tetra with a fire-red head — the most nervous fish in the tank means the healthiest water.
2 in5–8 years
Habitat
Enclosure
20 gal minimum · schools of 8+
Temperature
75–81°F
Humidity / Water
Freshwater · pH 6.0–7.0
Heating & lighting
Reliable heater — they like it warm. Pristine, stable water; the red face fades whenever something's wrong, making them a living water gauge.
Diet
Feed these
- Micro pellets
- Fine flake food
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Daphnia
Never feed
- Large pellets
- Ammonia or nitrite (extremely sensitive)
- Sudden temperature swings
Small feedings twice a day. They school in perfect formation in calm, planted tanks.
Cohabitation
Can live with
Angelfish Neon tetras Harlequin rasboras Corydoras catfish Other rummynose tetras — schools of 8+
Never house with
Betta — nipping risk Oscar Goldfish — temperature mismatch
Peaceful, tight schoolers. Their signature red head only glows when water quality is excellent.
