Rummy Nose Tetra 3-5cm

Description

Rummy Nose Tetra 3–5cm (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)

Famous for their brilliant red noses and incredibly tight schooling behaviour, Rummy Nose Tetras are one of the finest display fish for planted aquariums. Peaceful, active and elegant, they create a breathtaking moving school that instantly elevates any freshwater aquarium.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Hemigrammus rhodostomus
  • Common name: Rummy Nose Tetra
  • Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm
  • Adult size: 4.5–5.5 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: Schools of 8 or more (10–20+ recommended)

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want one of the best schooling fish available.
  • You have a planted community aquarium.
  • You enjoy peaceful fish with natural schooling behaviour.
  • You're looking for a species that complements aquascapes beautifully.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You only want to keep one or two fish.
  • You keep aggressive or predatory tank mates.
  • Your aquarium has unstable water quality.
  • You have an uncycled aquarium.

Why choose Rummy Nose Tetras?

Rummy Nose Tetras are regarded by many aquascapers as the ultimate schooling fish. Their vivid red heads, silver bodies and distinctive black-and-white striped tails create an elegant display, especially when swimming together as a tightly coordinated group.

Unlike many schooling species that spread throughout the aquarium, Rummy Nose Tetras naturally swim together in synchronised formations, making them one of the most captivating fish for planted displays. Their calm temperament also makes them excellent companions for many peaceful community species.

They are also known as an excellent indicator of aquarium health. In stable, high-quality water, their noses remain bright red. If water quality deteriorates or the fish become stressed, the red colour may fade, providing an early warning to investigate aquarium conditions.

Benefits

  • One of the best schooling fish available
  • Brilliant red nose and distinctive striped tail
  • Peaceful community species
  • Perfect for planted aquariums
  • Excellent water quality indicator
  • Beautiful movement when kept in large groups

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28°C
  • pH: 5.5–7.2
  • Diet: Premium micro pellets, flakes, frozen foods and live foods
  • Water: Clean, mature, stable and well-filtered
  • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, shaded areas and open swimming space
  • Perform weekly water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Cardinal Tetras
  • Corydoras
  • Otocinclus
  • Apistogramma
  • Angelfish (in suitably sized aquariums)
NTA Insight:
A bright red nose is usually a sign of a healthy, settled Rummy Nose Tetra. Newly imported or recently transported fish may temporarily lose some colour, but this typically returns once they settle into a mature aquarium with excellent water quality. The larger the school, the more spectacular their synchronised swimming becomes.

FAQ

How big do Rummy Nose Tetras grow?

Adults typically reach 4.5–5.5 cm, making them ideal for medium to large planted community aquariums.

How many Rummy Nose Tetras should I keep?

We recommend keeping at least eight fish, although schools of 10–20 or more display much more natural schooling behaviour and create an incredible visual display.

Why has my Rummy Nose Tetra lost its red nose?

A faded red nose often indicates stress, recent transport or declining water quality. Check water parameters, ensure the aquarium is fully cycled and allow newly introduced fish time to settle.

Can Rummy Nose Tetras live with shrimp?

Adult dwarf shrimp are generally safe, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten. Dense plants and mosses provide excellent shelter for young shrimp.

Are Rummy Nose Tetras good for aquascapes?

Absolutely. Their tight schooling behaviour and striking colouration make them one of the most popular fish for Nature Aquariums and high-end aquascapes.

Rummy Nose Tetra 3-5cm

Product form
Free pickup in our shop(s)

SKU: RNT001

📍 In-Store Locations: DISPLAY
📦 Arrival Date: 16 July 2026

10 in stock  

$6.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Rummy Nose Tetra 3–5cm (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)

    Famous for their brilliant red noses and incredibly tight schooling behaviour, Rummy Nose Tetras are one of the finest display fish for planted aquariums. Peaceful, active and elegant, they create a breathtaking moving school that instantly elevates any freshwater aquarium.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Hemigrammus rhodostomus
    • Common name: Rummy Nose Tetra
    • Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm
    • Adult size: 4.5–5.5 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: Schools of 8 or more (10–20+ recommended)

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want one of the best schooling fish available.
    • You have a planted community aquarium.
    • You enjoy peaceful fish with natural schooling behaviour.
    • You're looking for a species that complements aquascapes beautifully.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You only want to keep one or two fish.
    • You keep aggressive or predatory tank mates.
    • Your aquarium has unstable water quality.
    • You have an uncycled aquarium.

    Why choose Rummy Nose Tetras?

    Rummy Nose Tetras are regarded by many aquascapers as the ultimate schooling fish. Their vivid red heads, silver bodies and distinctive black-and-white striped tails create an elegant display, especially when swimming together as a tightly coordinated group.

    Unlike many schooling species that spread throughout the aquarium, Rummy Nose Tetras naturally swim together in synchronised formations, making them one of the most captivating fish for planted displays. Their calm temperament also makes them excellent companions for many peaceful community species.

    They are also known as an excellent indicator of aquarium health. In stable, high-quality water, their noses remain bright red. If water quality deteriorates or the fish become stressed, the red colour may fade, providing an early warning to investigate aquarium conditions.

    Benefits

    • One of the best schooling fish available
    • Brilliant red nose and distinctive striped tail
    • Peaceful community species
    • Perfect for planted aquariums
    • Excellent water quality indicator
    • Beautiful movement when kept in large groups

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28°C
    • pH: 5.5–7.2
    • Diet: Premium micro pellets, flakes, frozen foods and live foods
    • Water: Clean, mature, stable and well-filtered
    • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, shaded areas and open swimming space
    • Perform weekly water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Cardinal Tetras
    • Corydoras
    • Otocinclus
    • Apistogramma
    • Angelfish (in suitably sized aquariums)
    NTA Insight:
    A bright red nose is usually a sign of a healthy, settled Rummy Nose Tetra. Newly imported or recently transported fish may temporarily lose some colour, but this typically returns once they settle into a mature aquarium with excellent water quality. The larger the school, the more spectacular their synchronised swimming becomes.

    FAQ

    How big do Rummy Nose Tetras grow?

    Adults typically reach 4.5–5.5 cm, making them ideal for medium to large planted community aquariums.

    How many Rummy Nose Tetras should I keep?

    We recommend keeping at least eight fish, although schools of 10–20 or more display much more natural schooling behaviour and create an incredible visual display.

    Why has my Rummy Nose Tetra lost its red nose?

    A faded red nose often indicates stress, recent transport or declining water quality. Check water parameters, ensure the aquarium is fully cycled and allow newly introduced fish time to settle.

    Can Rummy Nose Tetras live with shrimp?

    Adult dwarf shrimp are generally safe, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten. Dense plants and mosses provide excellent shelter for young shrimp.

    Are Rummy Nose Tetras good for aquascapes?

    Absolutely. Their tight schooling behaviour and striking colouration make them one of the most popular fish for Nature Aquariums and high-end aquascapes.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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