Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra

Hemigrammus bleheri, commonly known as the Brilliant Rummynose Tetra, is a colorful, peaceful schooling fish native to slow-moving rivers, streams, and flooded forests in the Rio Negro and Rio Meta basins of South America. Its striking appearance, schooling behavior, and adaptability have made it a long-standing favorite in the freshwater aquarium hobby.

Physically, Hemigrammus bleheri features a slender, silvery-gray body that reaches an adult length of approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters). The species’ most distinctive trait is its bright red head, extending from the snout back to the gill covers. Its tail is equally striking, marked with black and white horizontal stripes, creating a “checkerboard” pattern. This vibrant coloration is often used by aquarists as a visual indicator of water quality and fish health.

In the aquarium, Hemigrammus bleheri thrives best when kept in groups of at least six to eight individuals, ideally more, as this encourages natural schooling behavior, reduces stress, and enhances their color intensity. A minimum aquarium size of 20 gallons is recommended to comfortably accommodate a school and allow ample swimming space. They prefer tanks with subdued lighting, dark substrates, plenty of live plants, and driftwood, replicating their natural environment and promoting their well-being.

Water parameters suitable for Brilliant Rummynose Tetras include temperatures between 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C), a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0, and soft to moderately hard water conditions. Regular water changes and stable, pristine water quality are crucial, as this species is sensitive to poor conditions and can lose coloration under stress.

Feeding Hemigrammus bleheri is straightforward, as they readily accept high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Providing a varied diet promotes optimal coloration, overall health, and longevity.

Hemigrammus bleheri is an ideal choice for peaceful community tanks. Suitable tankmates include other peaceful tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, Corydoras catfish, and small peaceful livebearers. Avoid housing them with aggressive, larger, or fin-nipping species to prevent stress or injury.

Breeding Hemigrammus bleheri can be challenging but is achievable under carefully controlled conditions. They are egg-scatterers that exhibit no parental care. For breeding, pairs or small groups should be conditioned with nutritious live foods and transferred to a dedicated breeding tank containing fine-leaved plants or spawning mops to collect the scattered eggs. The eggs hatch within approximately 24 to 36 hours, and fry should be fed infusoria or specially prepared micro-foods until they can accept larger items like baby brine shrimp.

Overall, Hemigrammus bleheri (Brilliant Rummynose Tetra) is an attractive, peaceful, and rewarding species, ideally suited to aquarists seeking vibrant, schooling fish for planted community aquariums. Its distinctive coloration, engaging behavior, and moderate care requirements make it a beloved choice for both novice and experienced hobbyists.