Brilliant Rummynose Tetra

Hemigrammus bleheri

Also known as: Firehead Tetra, Bleher's Rummynose Tetra

A tight-schooling tetra with a blazing red head and black and white striped tail.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

75–84°F

pH

5.5–7

Hardness

1–10 dGH

Max size

2 in

Min tank

20 gal

Temperament

Peaceful

Social

Schooling (8+)

Swim level

Middle

Diet

Omnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

5-6 years

Breeding

Egg-scatterer

Suitability

Common

Origin

Rio Negro and Rio Meta basins, Brazil and Colombia

Keep a school of 8 or more; they school more tightly than most tetras. Sensitive to nitrate and swings in water quality, so add them only to a mature, stable tank. The red head fades when stressed, which makes it a handy water quality warning.