Rummy Nose Tetra

Rummy Nose Tetra (Petitella species)

Appearance & Behavior

Bring coordinated movement and crisp color to your freshwater aquarium with Rummy Nose Tetras. Their silvery bodies, bright red faces, and black-and-white striped tails make a striking display as a group moves through green plants. These peaceful, active fish are known for close schooling and feel more secure with plenty of their own kind. Several closely related Petitella species share the Rummy Nose trade name.

Quick Care Guide

• Care Level: Moderate; best in a mature, established aquarium

• Temperament: Peaceful and active

• Adult Size: Approximately 2 inches

• Minimum Aquarium Size: 20 gallons long; larger aquariums recommended for bigger schools and community stocking

• Temperature: 75–82°F

• pH: 5.5–7.0

• Water Hardness: Soft water preferred, generally below 10 dGH

• Diet: Omnivore

• Swimming Area: Middle

• Recommended Quantity: At least 6; preferably 10 or more when aquarium space and stocking allow

Aquarium Setup & Compatibility

Provide planted edges, shaded retreats, and generous open swimming space. Rummy Nose Tetras do best in a mature, fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions, good oxygenation, and gentle to moderate circulation. Use a secure lid and avoid abrupt changes in temperature or water chemistry. Their red coloration may fade during transport or stress; persistent fading warrants a water-quality check rather than being treated as a reliable diagnosis on its own.

Good companions include peaceful tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras species with compatible temperature and water requirements. Plant-safe snails and adult dwarf shrimp may coexist, but shrimplets can be eaten. Avoid aggressive fish, persistent fin-nippers, and larger fish that could swallow them.

Feeding

Feed Hatchery Diet 1.2 mm, supplemented with Daphnia and Bloodworms. Crush pellets or cut larger bloodworms into smaller pieces as needed to fit their mouths. Offer small portions and ensure newly introduced or shy fish have a chance to eat.