Hemigrammus bleheri
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Hemigrammus bleheri Care Guide
(Rummy-Nose Tetra)
Hemigrammus bleheri, commonly known as the Rummy-Nose Tetra, is a small, peaceful, and vibrant freshwater fish native to the Amazon River basin. It is renowned for its bright red nose and striking black-and-white striped tail, making it a favorite in community aquariums. These tetras thrive in groups and are highly active, adding life and movement to any tank.
Tank Requirements
- Tank Size:
- Minimum 20 gallons for a small group of 6–8. Larger tanks are recommended for bigger schools.
- Tank Setup:
- Substrate: Fine sand or dark gravel helps to enhance their vibrant coloration.
- Decor: Include driftwood, rocks, and plants for a natural look and to provide hiding spots.
- Plants: Aquatic plants such as Java fern, Amazon swords, and Vallisneria mimic their natural environment. Floating plants can help diffuse lighting.
- Lighting: Subdued to moderate lighting is ideal, replicating their shaded natural habitat.
- Water Flow:
- Moderate water flow, mimicking their natural river habitats. Use a canister or sponge filter for optimal conditions.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 75–81°F (24–27°C)
- pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Hardness: 2–8 dGH (soft water)
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm; nitrates should remain below 20 ppm.
- Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes of 20–30% to maintain water quality.
Diet
The Rummy-Nose Tetra is an omnivore and thrives on a varied diet:
- Staple Foods:
- High-quality micro-pellets or flake food designed for small tropical fish.
- Live/Frozen Foods:
- Daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and tubifex worms enhance their coloration and health.
- Vegetable-Based Foods:
- Offer occasional spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
- Feeding Schedule:
- Feed 1–2 times daily, offering only what they can consume in 2–3 minutes.
Behavior and Compatibility
- Temperament:
- Peaceful and schooling. They thrive in groups of 8 or more, where their natural shoaling behavior is best displayed.
- Tankmates:
- Suitable companions include other small, peaceful species such as tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, and peaceful gouramis.
- Avoid large or aggressive fish that might see them as prey or disrupt their schooling behavior.
Breeding
Breeding Hemigrammus bleheri is possible but requires specific conditions:
- Breeding Tank:
- Set up a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5) and a temperature of 78–80°F (26–27°C). Use dim lighting and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.
- Conditioning:
- Condition the breeding pair with a high-protein diet of live or frozen foods.
- Spawning Behavior:
- The female scatters eggs among plants or substrate. Males fertilize them, and spawning typically occurs at dawn.
- Egg and Fry Care:
- Remove the adults post-spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
- Eggs hatch within 24–36 hours, and fry become free-swimming in 3–5 days. Start feeding the fry with infusoria or liquid fry food, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.
Common Challenges
- Water Sensitivity:
- Rummy-Nose Tetras are highly sensitive to water quality and require stable, pristine conditions.
- Stress from Small Groups:
- Keeping them in groups smaller than six can lead to stress, shyness, and reduced activity.
- Color Fading:
- Poor water quality, inadequate diet, or stress can cause their signature red coloration to fade.
Interesting Facts
- Their bright red nose serves as an indicator of health and water quality; vibrant coloration means the fish are healthy and the water is optimal.
- They are mid-dwelling fish, adding activity to the central area of the tank.
- In the wild, Hemigrammus bleheri is found in tannin-stained waters, which can be mimicked with Indian almond leaves or driftwood for a natural setup.
Care Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 20 gallons for a group of 6–8 |
| Water Parameters | pH 5.5–7.0, 75–81°F, soft water |
| Diet | Omnivorous: micro-pellets, live/frozen foods, spirulina |
| Temperament | Peaceful, best kept in groups |
| Lifespan | 5–6 years |
The Rummy-Nose Tetra is a stunning and active addition to a peaceful community aquarium. With proper care and attention to their environment, they will thrive, displaying their vivid colors and delightful schooling behavior.