Brillianthead Rummynose Tetra (1.25”)

Scientific Name:

Hemigrammus bleheri (Brillient

Maximum Size and Lifespan:

• Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)

• Lifespan: Around 5 to 6 years with proper care

Recommended Aquarium Size:

• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons (75 liters) for a small group (6–10 fish)

• Larger groups (ideal) need 20+ gallons for stable conditions and with other fish

Water Changes and Care:

• Water Change: 25–40% weekly

• Water Conditions:

  • Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

  • pH: 5.5–7.5

• Rummynose Tetras are sensitive to water quality—stable and clean water is crucial.

• Use a sponge filter or low-flow filter to avoid stressing them.

Tankmates:

Rummynose Tetras are peaceful and best kept in schools of 6 or more. Suitable tankmates include:

• Other peaceful fish, Tetras (Neon, Cardinal, Ember), Corydoras catfish, Dwarf gouramis, Hatchetfish, rasboras, Peaceful dwarf cichlids (Rams and Apistogramma with caution), Otocinclus and other smaller plecos

Avoid aggressive or much larger fish that may harass or eat them.

Diet:

• Omnivorous – Accept a variety of foods:

  • High-quality flake or micro pellet (Xtreme Nano Pellet)

  • Frozen foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms(offer 1-2 times per week max)

  • Vegetable-based flakes for variety

• Feed 2–3 small meals per day in amounts they can finish in 2–3 minutes. Fast 1 day a week to avoid bloating

Overview Before Natural Environment:

Brillianthead Rummynose Tetras are shoaling fish known for their striking platinum scales, red nose and black-and-white striped tail, which fades when stressed—making them great indicators of water quality. Their peaceful, active schooling behavior makes them a favorite in community and aquascaped tanks.

Natural Environment:

• Habitat: Slow-moving, tannin-rich waters of the Amazon River basin

• Distribution: Primarily Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia

• Found in blackwater tributaries, often shaded by forest canopies with leaf litter and driftwood on the substrate.

Breeding:

• Breeding is possible but challenging in captivity.

• Conditions to induce spawning:

  • Soft, acidic water (pH around 5.5–6.0, <4 dGH)

  • Dim lighting and live plants or spawning mops

  • Temperature: ~80°F (27°C)

• Spawning behavior:

  • Egg scatterers; eggs laid among fine plants or moss

  • Remove adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs

• Hatching: 24–36 hours

• Fry require live baby brine shrimp or microworms